Age 35

I have gone through my entire life hating my body. No more. Now, I don’t just accept the body I was given, I love the body I was given. This body created and birthed three beautiful children. Seeing what my body can create has made me love my body. My body created the hearts, minds and bodies of the most precious things in my life. I see myself in my children’s faces and that makes me feel beautiful. I have grown to appreciate my body, my mind and my instincts. I now treat my body well and it treats me well. There is nothing more magical in life than motherhood.

Age 31

I remember going on my first diet at 12. Looking back I don’t think I had to, but for some reason I thought I should. At 12, I became obsessed with food. Food was (and is) always on my mind. I have never been anorexic or bulimic, but my struggle is very real. My weight is a constant up and down battle and I’ve never been happy with my body. There has always been a part of me that I wish was flatter, tighter or leaner. I wonder if I will ever be comfortable in my own skin.

Age 51

Gravity and hot flashes have begun to take their toll, but I still love my body. It is strong and healthy, hasn't failed me yet and has given life and nourishment to three wonderful children. The miracles of the workings of the human body are often taken for granted and shouldn't be. Watch a woman wrestle with news that the pregnancy being carried won't have 10 fingers and 10 toes and one has a new respect for the miracle of conception and embryonic development. Watch that child grow and learn and beat the odds of her birth and prognosis and in the end we are each a miracle in our own right. A few pounds, curves, or lack of either do not form our soul, our heart or our unique contribution to this world we live in.

Age 32

Programming Note

Every Sunday night at 10pm in December, BBC America presents a series of all-new documentaries that take an in-depth, honest and often surprising look at some of the body image issues that people are struggling to overcome in their search for happiness.

Super Skinny Me
476-lb. Teenager
My Small Breasts and I
My Big Breasts and Me
Teen Transsexual

Age 27

Through my eyes, I don't see what you see and that has destroyed our relationship. I'm sorry - I need to stop the cycle.

Age 40

My greatest feature? My eyes. They are beautiful and expressive. They tell a story. My story.

Age 17

When You Look In the Mirror, What Do You See?

That is the question we are asking you - women, teenagers and young girls. When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Speak your truth. Are you confident and happy in your own skin, or embarrassed by a feature that doesn't fit society’s narrow definition of beauty? Is there a body part you love? Hate? Do you suffer with an eating disorder? Are you a slave to beauty trends in an attempt to fit in with the popular crowd? Is plastic surgery an option? What would you change, or do you have a positive self-image?

The Body Image Project asks you to share. Please include your age with each submission.

Email: bodyprojectsubmission@gmail.com