Have you seen Gabby Sidibe recently? The woman is wearing her happiness like a crown and we love it!
And lately, the Empire star has been eager to share those good vibes with the world.
In a new interview with Refinery29, Gabby opened up about remaining positive and learning to love herself, despite the constant criticism about her appearance.
So, what brought on her new mindset? The 34-year-old actress revealed she was extremely tired of all the body-shamers knocking her down.
I think what really pushed me to think differently is just exhaustion. Exhaustion from feeling bad that somebody else thought I was too fat, or thought I was too Black. I was exhausted with how other people felt about me and that’s what helped me change.
And then Gabby began to direct less of her focus on the negative and embrace all the things she admired about herself.
I really sat down and made a list of all the things I liked about me: My personality, my face, my body. The world will hand me a hate list. And I just sat down and I developed a love list for myself.
"And I tell people of all ages to do that. You have to list the things you love about yourself."
Another step Gabby took towards happiness was making the decision to live a healthier lifestyle.
After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and trying to lose weight naturally for more than 10 years, she decided to go under the knife in May 2016 for laparoscopic bariatric surgery, according to People.
The Oscar-nominated actress learned love should always start from within:
It has taken me years to realize that what I was born with is all beautiful. I did not get this surgery to be beautiful. I did it so I can walk around comfortably in heels. I want to do a cartwheel. I want not to be in pain every time I walk up a flight of stairs. –This is Just My Face
Since the procedure, Gabby eats healthier, exercises with a trainer, has a nutritionist, and even keeps a tricycle on set.
Gabby also battled with bulimia, depression, and anxiety since the age of six. She was able to overcome those struggles through therapy.
And despite the obstacles, the This is Just My Face author knows exactly what she'd tell her younger self if she could:
Just hold on baby girl. You’re okay. There’s something on the other side. There’s a whole life, a whole world waiting for you on the other side of high school graduation. If you could just make it there and make it through that. If you feel like you need help, get it. And don’t listen to anyone else who tells you you don’t need it. You listen to yourself when someone is making fun of you. Listen to yourself when someone is telling you what kind of clothes you wear on your body.
Because now, Gabby is all about living her best life:
There’s nothing ugly about me. Anyone trying to convince me that I am — and it’s usually me — is wasting her time. I was in a war with my body for a long time. If I’d started treating it better sooner, I wouldn’t have spent so many years hating myself. But I love my body now.
Go girl!
