Being a plus-sized girl in Singapore was never easy for me. I often get comments and advice from family and friends that I should lose weight to "fit in”. 

The thing is, I was not always this size. I only started gaining weight after I went abroad for a break from work. When I came back after nine months, many of my friends were horrified from the weight that I had gained. I’ve gained 15kg in just nine months. 

I tried many ways to lose the weight. I went to the extent of working out every day, skipping meals like breakfast and dinner, and even went tried taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which claims that their treatments can result in weight loss. In the end, I just couldn't bear to give up on all the delicious food.

I confess that I am a foodie. I live to eat. I can't give up on cheese and fast food. Potatoes is my favourite food. Eating, ironically, became the only way for me to "escape" those comments.

Prior to my trip, I’ve always been a big fan of working out and it was a form of relaxation for me. However, now that I’m plus-sized, working out is never easy. I keep getting comments and advice on how to lose weight, but that isn’t the main point. 

This is a lonely journey that I’m battling on my own. After a while, I numb myself to these comments and I took it upon myself to decide that whatever I do is for myself, with no need to explain anything to anyone.

So I started to focus on what I do, and do what I love. I discovered that I really enjoy working out. Hence, I started to focus on myself and to love myself instead of working out for the sake of losing weight. 

I continue to indulge in ice cream (another of my favourite foods) but in moderation. If I go for a run, it's because I want to run and not because I want to lose weight. I started to live for myself instead of trying to achieve the goal of losing weight.

Today, I work out on a regular basis and I watch my diet a little. I wouldn't say that I have lost weight but I feel more confident. Eventually I told myself, “Regardless of how I look, I'm still me”. For those who love me, they love me for who I am and my personality.

All I want to say to the girls out there is – regardless of how you look, you have to start loving yourself and accept your body. When you feel confident, people will see the glow in you. Don't give up on your journey and continue to do what you love!