finally telling the truth | MY STORY | my eating disorder, exercise addiction & clickbait thumbnails

Disclaimer: EXTREMELY sensitive and potentially TRIGGERING topics will be discussed in depth in this video regarding weight, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, exercise addiction, cultural stereotypes and stigma, calories, and bad body-image. All opinions are my own. THIS VIDEO MAY NOT BE FOR YOU & THAT IS OK!
Hi guys, because it’s AAPI heritage month!!! @gymshark set up a very cool AAPI awareness shoot and interview that I was so honoured to be invited to. It made me think about how being Chinese and growing up in North America has impacted my relationship with food, body image, and fitness journey. After digging into my past, I discovered a lot of resentment towards my background and heritage over the years. I wanted to share with you guys my story. And what lead me here. This is simply an honest and open chat of my life up to this point. This is a very personal story, and I hope it teaches you a little more about why I am so passionate about listening to my body, honouring my hunger, and why I do what I do.
Love you guys always.
& thank you Gymshark for giving me this opportunity to really reflect on how my culture makes me who I am and realizing how proud I am to be Chinese. Beyond grateful to be part of this family ❤️🦈
Eating disorder resources and information:
National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC): nedic.ca
Resources for Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder: www.eatingdisorderhope.com/in...
Resources List: Recommended Websites: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/...
Learn more: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topic...
SHOP GYMSHARK’S NEW COLLECTION :gym.sh/Shop-Linda-Sun
THE GYMSHARK SALE PREVIEW: gym.sh/Shop-Linda-SalePreview
(starts MAY 26th 2022)
AAPI HERITAGE MONTH RESOURCES:
fapac.org/AAPI-Resources
later.com/blog/asian-american...
www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/...
Fav products:
My fav crunchy Kraft Peanut butter: shop-links.co/173006355869700...
Built bars: shop-links.co/173006353503548...
yoga mat: shop-links.co/173006348822036...
my camera: shop-links.co/173006345466301...
my fav rosebud lip salve: shop-links.co/173006325760594...
MY FAV protein powder from PEScience: shop-links.co/173006350755417...
FAQ
How old are you? Born in 2001
What camera do I use? Canon m50
Where do you live? Ontario, Canada
How tall are you? 5’4 (163 cm)
What do you use to edit? FINALCUT PRO
Where are your workout clothes from? Gymshark
What kind of dog do you have? His name is Milo and he’s a Maltese.
Instagram: @lindasunyt
Business inquiries: [e-mail]
CHAPTERS
- 0:00 - Hi I’m Linda
- 1:18 - The Beginning
- 3:13 - The Foodie
- 3:55 - The Fat Girl
- 5:43 - The Identity Crisis
- 7:01 - The Blogilates Era
- 8:04 - The Eating Disorder
- 11:26 - The Recovery
- 12:42 - The Relapses
- 13:51 - The First Love
- 14:56 - The KZbinr
- 15:21 - The Burnout
- 16:03 - The Acceptance
- 18:53 - The Clickbait Thumbnails
- 19:13 - The Future Me
- 20:21 - The End
Music:
Music by Boyu - Miata Trip - thmatc.co/?l=AD24C375
Music by Jeffrey Lenh - idk - thmatc.co/?l=8F345CFD
Music by Jeremy Vara - Blue Bird - thmatc.co/?l=0003325C
Music by ZARG - caught up - thmatc.co/?l=727B9A57
Music by Todd Carey & Shwayze - Too Soon (feat. Shwayze) - thmatc.co/?l=567AF3D0
Music by JEN Z - Clean Up In Aisle 4 - thmatc.co/?l=36EAD107
Music by Boyu - Flower Garden - thmatc.co/?l=BF63F4EE
Music by Citrus Avenue - Elsewhere Palms - thmatc.co/?l=E5A7FF36
Music by Au Gres - do you think we're old enough - thmatc.co/?l=EC472501
Music by Naomi - If Love is the Answer - thmatc.co/?l=3E83FB1B
Music by Naomi - First Date - thmatc.co/?l=72E62D02
Music by Kate Brunotts - Interesting - thmatc.co/?l=48AB47B9
Music by Boyu - Glass Of Wine - thmatc.co/?l=A15A5DDD
Music by clay house - coming undone - thmatc.co/?l=70DFE3B6
Music by Jomila - got me good - thmatc.co/?l=EA65B892
Music by Ben Camden - Salt - thmatc.co/?l=81A27238

[@SethuChandra]

WHEN SHE SAID " I put living on hold until I got the right body " I FELT THAT.

[@lilithlee3731]

Same, especially when you're also struggling with ED...

[@hannahmiller6178]

I’ve been doing that for the past 8 years…. When she said that I feel like I got slapped in the face

[@carolqa]

Know this from my experience …😔

[@alexandrabojanic147]

same :(

[@ricebowl6864]

That was my life since I was 13.I learned how to be ok with food at 46.Still a work in progress at 48.

[@juliapater2158]

Linda, I must be totally honest with you. Six months ago, deeply insecure and surrounded by ED, I did click on your video only because of a clickbait looking for next 'wight loss tips'. You actually did trick me into watching it, and thank God! because it changed my mindset forever and started my recovery. At that time I thought to myself (or I should rather say my ED suggested that thought).. 'No wonder she looks like that if she eats like that'. Then very slowly, video by video, I've realised how much I'm missing out. How much freedom you have. Imagine how I treated myself if I criticised you so badly in my mind. How deep I was in my ED. Perceiving wrong, not only myself, but also people around... I am really glad I have changed, thanks to you. Since very long time today I've enjoyed delicious ramen without counting, guilt and restricting afterwards. I know you make people understand. Keep doing that, spreading awareness, love, self compassion. And thank you

[@Busra-sn9el]

Completely agree with every word you said. Linda has changed my toxic mindset about food & fitness and helped me with my ED and body dysmorphia. I couldn't be more grateful.

[@gianna9317]

that’s amazing!

[@aminatadiakite4353]

That was literally me my ED made my life so miserable

[@celljrperfectform2002]

You look beautiful no matter what you look like

[@_marelyudave]

Can you update me 🙃 How’s recovery? How long has it taken? Do you feel better?

[@carolinedunn4091]

I never had an eating disorder, but I am a cancer survivor. During my treatment I lost all my weight, all my muscle, started to hate food because of the way it made me feel due to the chemo. you helped me realize that im fully capable of gaining muscle back, and im allowed to not eat healthy all the time. When I started coming back from the hardest parts of treatment, I convinced myself that I would ruin my health if I had a cookie, if I had a bag of microwave popcorn. when in reality, none of that is true. your videos are helping me to return to that strong, happy, carb loving girl that I was before. youre helping me to remember the thrill of working out. I truly cannot thank you enough Linda.

[@maddysmith1825]

“words can’t even describe how hard recovery is” it’s. so. damn. hard. especially when no one has a single clue what ur going through. hearing the comments people make about what ur eating and having to remind urself they don’t know what you went through. watching everyone not eat lunch and talk and how they never eat. it’s truly the hardest thing i’ve ever experienced and each time i relapse my mental health and binging/obsession w food and calories gets worse. i wish i never experienced this.

[@Franeigh2010]

The ending comment, “to all the Chinese parents who called me strong, thank you. Because I am strong & strong is beautiful”. A real tear-jerker! Thank you for spreading your light on this platform✨✨

[@Mon._.Tresor]

😭🥺 i cried and she is honestly a God given Gift❤️ thank you linda

[@JazTyler]

SO SO PROUD OF YOU!

[@sihamsheikh4154]

Your my icon!!

[@harperrrz]

❤️

[@elizabethbennet8742]

You and Linda are literally the ones who helped me recover from an ed and build back my relationship with food! Love you two so much, you don’t know how grateful I am for you guys, your content changes lives!

[@JIHYODORANT]

So proud to both of you 😍

[@siennamurphy6]

@@sihamsheikh4154 you're

[@catherinethomas7476]

there was a line someone said ages ago and still holds a special place in my heart it says: if everyone, every single bloody person on the face of this planet, ate the same, exercised the same, we would still look different. And that quote still to this day gave me a whole different perspective to body image than the media could ever do. You do you Linda! x

[@milliscaglione6154]

Linda, holy fuck, I’ve cried for 22 minutes straight. You are such a light for so many people in such dark times. You have a whole galaxy that’s shining so hard inside ofyou and is teaching others to make their lil cosmos shine as well. And that’s so impressive. Thank you for the words I didn’t know I needed so deeply. Love you from Italy

[@JackieHe520]

As a Chinese born and raised chubby child and stumbled her way into adulthood riddled with eating disorder and body dysmorphia, you represent so many of us, thank you for making this video Linda!

[@chy9621]

Yes!!! I’m Chinese too! Thank you Linda this was so relatable

[@snorlaxisbored348]

Genuine question: why are there many chinese mukbangers who are really skinny? How do they do that?

[@hollydawn07]

I’m 37 and I’ve always struggled with my body image, growing up in the 90s/early 2000s when heroin chic skinny was the standard, and Xtina and Britney were considered “fat” until they reach skeletal status…it’s been a long journey for me to be ok with a belly, big boobs, and thighs that touch. I just hope I can teach my daughter that she’s more than her body and not spend her whole life chasing the perfect body, and just be in love with HER perfect body. I don’t want her to not love herself until she’s 37.

[@kannot1]

Damn! That's so sad... I thought life would get better as you get older/wiser🤦🏽‍♀💔 imagine being in your 70s and still struggling with food, that's not a good life

[@sridiannnn]

I got goosebumps while heard your story. Honestly i feel that in different case. Eating disorder and body dysmorphia haunted me for the past 3 years. I really wanted to go out of it. But every time I try, I make plan, I fail it a bit, and then I ruined it all, and repeat. This got me realized that I don't listen to myself. I'll try to find a way to reach my goal which is to lived my life. The ending made me cry. Thanks for sharing this, sis❤

[@whoopsadoodle1105]

God wanted me to tell you that you are not alone. You are known, you are here, and you are loved. Please, just know that you are loved.

[@funmif30]

This was such an inspiring story. The struggle is real for second generation immigrants to feel at home anywhere but I'm so glad you've been able to embrace yours

[@anyssaquishpi4328]

Honestly I found Linda due to her clickbait videos/ titles and when I clicked I was indeed met with a strong and sweet girl who explained to me why I shouldn’t restrict nor over exercise to be “pretty” and honestly thank you for that 💜

[@CutiesZibboon]

I relate so much to the "too tired to live" feeling. I remember having a strict schedule like that too and repeating it everyday to maintain a sense of control. Same with feeling so cold all the time and wearing layers. Losing hair too. Recovery is hard. My lowest weight was 86 lbs, and now I'm back up to 105. I'm still working on it and I struggle sometimes, but I am also falling in love with life again. I look forward to meals, and I have a much healthier diet. I still have hard days and relapse slightly, but I've been pretty good about making sure I feed myself a proper amount of food and not overexercising because it's not worth ruining my own life and relationships with others.

[@jacklyndoyne8565]

okay let's not comment our lowest weights.

[@NaimaHomemade]

@@jacklyndoyne8565they’re just sharing their story what’s wrong with that

[@KelliMarissa]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I'm grateful for KZbin because we have voices like yours sharing stories like these to help young impressionable people.

God, I'm crying. I've been dealing with an eating disorder for most of my life and I always find comfort in your videos. Please, keep being you 💖

[@justbime172]

Yeeeahhh

[@Call...me...a...friend]

Same😢

[@sarahwilliams2156]

i'm crying so hard, picturing sweet baby 7 year old linda not feeling good enough in today's society makes me want to give her the biggest hug. i'm so proud of you and how far you've come! love you always, linda ❤️

[@VanessaNagoya]

put this into words better than i could’ve imaged❤️ ONLY LOVE FOR YOUR LINDA

[@sophie_nass]

I cried watching this in the Subway. I‘ve been struggling with an ED for the past 10 years and just 22 minutes ago I didn‘t really want to recover (because weight gain seems like the enemy). Thank you so much ❤

[@victorialim1480]

linda!! when you said, "no wonder i've never been truly happy with myself, because i've never let myself be." - that really resonated with me. you're a shining light!

[@HulluitsCece]

I’m over here shedding tears because a lot of what you have mentioned I also felt as a kid as well. But I am so so so happy you found the courage and strength to open up about everything you’ve been feeling and dealing with. 💖 You are truly an amazing and inspirational. And you will always deserve to be loved and we as the community you built will always be here to support you! I hope you can move forward loving yourself, loving body, and really enjoying life Linda!❤️

[@emmaboyles5900]

i remember clicking on her videos years ago because of the clickbait thinking it would be my way to get skinnier, i'm so glad that the actual content was not about losing weight and getting thinner, definitely saved me from myself :):):):):):)

[@MrsSoso90]

“I put living on hold until i get the right body ! “ This sentence hits me so hard That I think i did experience it in a time of my life

[@svthinapia]

The only KZbinr who can give me chills with her editing! Honestly im glad you mentioned the part about how hard you work on your video because WE CAN DEFINITELY TELL !! The editing and storytelling of all your videos are all soooo impressive, from the effect you use, to the font and the music EVERYTHING is always so beautiful and i truly love it

[@ysabelasantos596]

YES

[@sammichou2669]

maybe u won't see it, but this makes me cry. I've been struggling in eating disorder for a long time and that one person that brought my life back is YOU. despite my parent does not understand all these and all the struggles I've been throughout my whole life. i couldn't thank you much more for all the things i have actually gained back. i found ur youtube channel at oct 2020 and i can't believe I've watched every single of ur video and found my confidence, happiness, and all that. U actually saved lots of ppl's life and i don't even know how to thank you back. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING U'VE DONE

[@lorraineomo]

I started watching you when KZbin randomly recommend your channel during lockdown and you were working out with your family and I fell in love. Your honesty your transparency and genuinely enjoying what you do travelling, food, working out & seeing how strong you’re becoming & your family supporting you but also not glamorising anything and being unapologetically you. It’s very hard to be so open especially online with so much criticism but you have inspired so many people just by being you. Without even realising, your voice has impacted so many. Thank you x

[@christellesalomon]

Halfway through and I’m literally crying! So glad that your mama was a fierce advocate for you and to see just how far you’ve come 🤎

[@khalilahd.]

Wow I don’t even know what to say but I know I’m so proud of you for being so open about this. I know it couldn’t have been easy but your strength with only empower and inspire others. You’re incredible 🙏🏽💛

[@ellie_r]

"I'll never have this version of myself so let me slow down and be with her " -someone That's something Linda said and got me thinking everything I want to starve myself to loose weight faster, for my birthday party that coming up. But then I get reminded of Linda and if she was my friend she would comfort me and talk to me and say "you're not gonna die if you eat that, you'll just feel happy". Linda's messages alwyas bring me joy. So thank you for that Linda.❤️ 🥲💖

[@diamonddallas3]

I really love how vulnerable and real u are!!! I only found u about a month ago but I check ur page religiously because I relate to u and look forward to YOU!! I really love what u said about ur clickbait photos reveal because I felt drawn to ur video but weary because I usually don’t click on quick fix videos anymore… but I am SO happy I did! I get to laugh with u and see a real human living her most authentic self and u are so WORTHY babe!!! I think u being a content creator will help motivate others to take back their power and work towards a realistic goal (whatever that is) thank u for being YOU 🥰

[@genregarden]

Thank you so much. I found your channel this week and it has been such a light in my life! I went through a similar experience growing up, and I'm now a registered dietitian! But every day is a struggle to find balance, mostly mentally. Your videos have changed my mindset around food so much and I couldn't be more thankful. I'm blown away by how real you are and how vulnerable you're willing to be to help people. You're brave and I'm so thankful for you. Everything to do with body image is a chaotic mess. Health is what's important! Eating for health but also eating for happiness and finding that balance. You inspire me to live a more free life. 😊🦋❤️

[@whatamianickyfan8467]

I just read Linda’s Instagram stories today and only one thing I would like her to do is read her comments on this videos. So sorry people throw hate on internet it’s very harsh. She is literally so inspiring, living the life she always wanted to and we as audience are no one to throw hate for this beautiful human being. I am so glad I watched your videos and saved myself from toxic diet culture and I hope all the 15 to 20 year old girls learn something from your videos , cause we are never thought to appreciate our body enough . Thank you Linda from bottom of my heart.

[@victoriaestelle200]

I’m so glad that you have opened up about these topics. It helps a lot of people including me 🤍 So proud of you

[@justbime172]

I completely agree with you🤗🤗

[@chloethean2351]

so proud of you for sharing, I really need this right now after struggling with my relationship with food since quarantine started. As a second-gen Chinese-American in a household that prioritizes "eating healthy", I can really relate to your struggles with both your identity and relationship with food. Seeing how your relationship with food has healed gives me the courage to confront my fears. sending lots of love 💖

[@alyssascorzetti2704]

The inspiration that comes from your recent videos is amazing, so grateful to have found your channel when I did

[@juliettegeoffroy4050]

This is hands down the best video I've seen in my entire life. Having suffered from anorexia myself between the age of 15 to 17 I recognised myself in every single word you said. Thank you Linda, you're amazing.

[@BowlingForGazpacho]

I'm so proud of you for how much self love you've found! I'm 6 years older than you and just relapsed in my eating disorder this month for the first time in 8 years. This video was exactly what I needed right now as I'm rededicating myself to recovery, strength in vulnerability, and self-love over perfection. The road isn't easy, but it's worth it. Sending so much love and positive energy your way, thank you for creating

[@melanielong5196]

IM CRYING i have felt this way for years and i’m balling because i finally have the strength to try and get up. I LOVE YOU. you put so much effort into every video and you deserve all the praise in the world because you help people like me have the courage to get up again. your editing is gorgeous and your videos make me feel like myself. please never stop being the amazing person you are.

[@hannahhood8956]

YOUR STORYTELLING IS SO BEAUTIFUL ❤️ Thank you for bringing truth to KZbin and bringing people together to recognize their value over their body.

[@saribee3119]

Thank you SO MUCH LINDA. As I watched this video I was able to relate to you so well. Being Asian and loving food so much somehow made me hate my body. It was only until recently when I started therapy and went to a dietitian appointment when I figured out I wasn’t healthy. That’s when I found you. You helped my health, my relationships, my happiness and most of all my confidence. While there are still days I get mad at myself for eating just one more bite, there are now much less times to feel guilty for putting a single calorie into my body. I have so much more to learn but you have helped me so so so much and I can’t describe how much you’ve changed my life. Never stop inspiring and your videos are not just motivation to live a healthy lifestyle but also motivation to keep going and to live life! I love you SO MUCH!

[@jennifermoranda4723]

Thank you so much for opening up like this, literally crying as I can relate to so many pieces of your journey and hope to find the body acceptance that you have.

[@danielabauer5105]

I have never watched a KZbin video this unbelievably inspirational and truthful. I love your videos so much. You kind of saved me from my eating disorder about 2 years ago when I randomly clicked on one of your videos. Ever since then, I have been working out, getting stronger, eating whatever my heart tells me to, and living my best life free of restriction. You are amazing and thank you so much for being here.

[@alyssashoemaker3414]

Lindaaaaaaa, you have no freaking idea how much you have played a role in my confidence in myself! I lost like all of my confidence in middle school because of all the negativity around me and my excessive need to people please, but ever since I saw your channel years ago, I've really been able to regain so much of that confidence back so now the negativity doesn't hurt so bad because I'm so much more secure in myself! Obviously I still cry when my mom gets disappointed in me or when my siblings call me ADD, but I can pretty much just pep talk myself and I'll remember that it's MY opinion of myself that matters, and only I know how hard I work 😊

[@gabriellepowell8613]

hearing you talk about how you would hold your hand under the dyers at school reminds me of when my family was on a ski trip and i was sobbing because even through all of my layers i couldn’t move, couldn’t think i was so cold. i continued to cry at lunch over a salmon burger, fries, and protein bar, and cry even more because i didn’t have the strength to go down the mountain i had done so many times before because i just wasn’t. eating. precious memories man 🥲

[@yuiop20011]

I’m always stunned by how young yet wise you are, even inspiring someone my age

[@daisymoss5819]

I am so immensely thankful, and proud of you I can't put it into words! I have been struggling with an eating disorder since I was 12 and now I am nearly 18. I have been in a relapse for the past 6 months and I'm now on an ed treatment programme. I have been really struggling recently and your channel gives me so much comfort and inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your story Linda, you have no idea how many people you are helping. Love you! 💜

[@erinyuan1013]

linda, I honestly love you so much. Im also a first generation chinese american and I got out of ed hospitilization this year and seeing this video is so refreshing. Its so hard to find influencers and role models that look like me and have the same struggles as me, I honestly never knew that I would even find somebody like that; thank you for being such an amazing inspiritaiton. I have always felt so alone but you show me that im not. ILY

[@sarahstahlman99]

So proud of you and your journey ♥️ been there and am on my journey of recovery! You have been a big part in my acceptance of my body ♥️

[@sydneywilkinson320]

your one of the most inspirational people to me, i’ve had a bad relationship with food for as long as i can remember because of sports, cheer and the standards of being the smallest you can and looking like everyone else when i was 9 and even now. i work everyday to have a better relationship with food and it’s difficult but you inspire me to do my best and realizing there will always be bumps in the road but it does get better helps. i’ve been struggling lately but i just try to remember there’s others that have gone through this and get out of the mindset. i’m so glad i’ve stumbled on your videos again. i had a breakdown today because of comparing myself to others but i remember i’m the only me and i cant change the way my body will look because a lot of it is genetics and it’s me and i’m learning to love that.

[@anabeatrizxavier1198]

Wow, I didn't imagine you passed through all that. You're stronger than you know. Thanks for the video, it will help me a lot!!! I've been inspired by you, every time I think of skipping a meal I remember you. Thank you for all you've been doing. You're a magical human!!!

[@Daniela-jx1fq]

What you did, what you've been through, how you thought about food and body image, are exactly what reflected in my life as well, from the age 16-26. It's so crazy. I yelled at my grandma who learned how to make French toast just for me (she's Chinese) cuz she put oil in the toast. So sad. I didn't live for 10 years. Thanks for sharing this on social media Linda. So proud of you :)

[@saracardoso4158]

i am so proud of you, never got to thank you for helping me going through recovery last year, i am super inspired by you. i’ve relapsed, and i hate it, but i believe one day i’ll fully accept myself too. you’re amazing, truly!

[@denisecruz3060]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for opening up bc I would have never realized the same habits I thought were healthy were actually hurting me. Thank you for opening my eyes and teaching me so much

[@user-oy5ol9rh8c]

I literally cried after watching this video. You've been through so much Linda, I know it's not easy to let people hear this and I genuinely thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities. It's an eye opener to other young girls like me to NOT TO CONFORM on society's beauty standards and just embrace our own authentic beauty. You are so strong Linda that you choose you over anyone's perceptions and BS. I appreciate your beauty and kindness❤

[@victoria9595]

I’m sobbing. I’ve never in my life felt like anybody has ever understood how I feel or think or why I am the way I am. I’ve always felt like I wasn’t enough for anybody let alone myself. I started high school and that’s when my body dysmorphia really started I was told I was to small too big too flat too pale too quite too loud too girly. I felt inferior to everyone around me I felt like I deserved those mean comments that I deserved to feel the way I did. I started emotional eating and then not eating and then anxiety took over my life. I couldn’t function my grades were slipping my weight was decreasing then increasing and I had the worst relationship with my family I was so consumed in the comments. I was so anxious and absolutely terrified to walk into the school building because I didn’t want people to be looking at me they weren’t but in my brain that’s what I was thinking that everyone was staring and judging. I change the way I did my hair the way I did my make up how I dressed how I walked the way I talked to fit in to be excepted so much so to the point that I didn’t know who I was anymore. And I still catch myself trying to limit food and telling myself I have to workout not because I want to I don’t wanna punish my body I don’t wanna punish myself but those comments those pictures run through my head those memories and it’s like I’m back there again. It’s crazy how one little comment could completely destroy the way that you see yourself and the way that you live your life. That’s what the past 4+ years have been like for me I was so consumed with what I looked like and how others saw me that I forgot to live. I have a hard time going out not not wearing make up or looking in the mirror and contorting my body wondering if the person that I’m talking to right now is looking at my insecurities and judging me whether they really want to be talking to me. But Linda is so open with us so honest so unbelievably relatable she is my safe place I’ve never felt understood but it’s like Linda understands me she doesn’t know me she hasn’t met me but she understands me she makes me feel heard she makes me feel valid and for that I don’t even have the words I can’t even thank her enough. I’m on the journey of teaching myself it’s OK to eat the cookie it’s OK not to do your hair you don’t have to have “eyebrows” to be pretty that I can work out to better myself without wanting to change myself you’re perfect just the way you are you are enough. Thank Linda for this video and all your videos they always open my eyes and touch my heart. I’m going to continue to try and tell myself that it’s OK to be me💕

[@heloiseforrest2527]

Keep going girl, I know we don't know each other, but I want to send you love and strength

[@veronicamcrae6127]

You are smart and beautiful love! Don't let anyone make you believe that you are NOT (I mean never ever ever ever).

[@h-ang9311]

You're so strong. I had the same experience too. It's hard, but we're so much stronger. I totally relate to Linda too. I forgot to live my life. What helps me is doing what I enjoy that I don't have time for these negative conceptions.

[@ysabelasantos596]

Words can hurt so much

[@arianabarreto2755]

❤

[@anringo7682]

The last part made me emotional T_T I'm so happy to have grown together with you on this journey! Your amazing Linda!

[@chantalkellyman2187]

I just love your videos so much! You really helped me recover from my postpartum eating disorder. One year, marital separation and single parenting later and here you are again reminding me that I am strong and beautiful and my body does amazing things, I brought a whole human into the world. thanks for reminding me that I am not a number on the scale, I'm not a size in a clothing store. I'm a mother, a sister, an aunty, a friend. I am a queen and I deserve to be treated like one. Thank you for not giving up on yourself

[@maliagni5163]

i've been following you since you started and to me it has been so inspiring and amazing to be growing up next to such an incredible person. I found out about your channel on my journey of loving myself in all the proper ways and it was so refreshing meeting a girl who was that honest and real about everything. I'M PROUD OF YOU!

[@jeoonghyun7963]

HOW COULD I SEE MY SELF ON YOUUU. FEEL SO BLESSED I'VE FINALLY HAD THROUGH THIS FASE. KEEP GOING ON GUYSS!!!!!

[@ariannafaedi8719]

THIS IS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS I'VE SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Love you so much Linda!!

[@jayasharma4604]

love how you always keep it real with us. as someone with this constant struggle, this video means so much. thank you

[@joelleel1910]

that's so amazing that you've gotten out of that and learned from your journey! I have learned so much from you and I have been struggling a bit lately with comparison and you always help me so immensely. I have an idea that would help a lot and would inspire people too, to make a movie based on this story, to show girls everywhere not just on KZbin that they are enough and deserve more than to treat their bodies poorly to fit a mold that the world created for them

[@burcuduman9244]

i'm LITERALLY sobbing i can't stop crying didn't think that hearing my thoghts out loud would affect me this much. but knowing that someone actually knows how i feel and think feels great and i'm so proud of you Linda ily

[@anastasiahupi2342]

That felt like a whole movie that had a really profound meaning.We are so proud of you Linda❤️❤️

[@user-oe1ss6gs6f]

linda I've been watching your videos since i dont know when and they always made my day! Watching this video and seeing how much you have embraced your body and food culture just makes me believe that i can do that too. There were many parts of the video that i related with especially the ones that you talk about your childhood and fitting in. So THANK YOU for shedding light to a path i didn't know i could ever see.

[@celiabc7834]

You are one of the most inspirational people that I have never met and I really want to thanks you, it’s like just with you sharing your life, your ups and downs and everything you went or are still going through everything just hit me, but it hits me for the better, actually I think it has helped me to change the awful vision I have with my life, with my relationship with food, how I see myself, how I treat myself, I think that what you say were the words that I needed to hear to get better and grow maybe happier in life. And no words are enough to express how grateful and thankful I feel towards you. But I really do mean it when I say thank you. Have a good day

[@HongjoongsAurora1706]

Hey Linda, Your story is one that I needed to hear right now. I'm 16 and in high school and as I'm sure you know, high school isn't always the best because EVERYONE is trying to look their best and being the "prettiest" girl around. Honestly when I was younger, I didn't think high school would be like this. As a kid growing up, I never cared about weight, about how much calories is in something, what's the latest beauty standard or anything cause in my family we didn't really care about how other perceived how we looked and we would often eat a lot and I enjoyed that about my family. I loved sports and being active, eating and LAUGHING. But when I came to high school, the standard was so much different, tall, skinny girls was the beauty standard, everyone wanted to be friends with them, they were popular. Also the thing you said about not eating at lunch is SO true. I used to be the only girl in my friend group that would sit with a lunch box packed to the brim with favs, with my fav soda and they wouldn't have anything, like only WATER. And that made me feel so self conscious about myself. Cause I was the only short, slightly chubby one among them. Then Covid happened, I ate like nobody's business, didn't exercise and just spiralled out of control. Then school started and it was like I was the ONLY one that gained weight and looked .. different. I entered a phase in my life where I just didn't eat at all, I would cry , get angry at my mother for offering me food, I couldn't SLEEP but I was so tired, I exercised like crazy. Doing diets that would help me lose weight fast and just HATING that my fat thighs and cheeks wouldn't go away. I started wishing I was someone else , anyone else. Then one night, I came across a song called Epiphany by Jin of BTS and the words spoke to me, I just had a mental breakdown and that night my mother sat down with me and we talked the whole night about what I was feeling and what I was going through and how I carried inside of me. It was ... freeing in a sense cause here was the woman who gave birth to me, who lived longer than me and probably had to go through similar things like me and she accepted me. She didn't see my WEIGHT, she saw my WORTH. Her words to me was, "Why you worried about that? When you get old like me, your body wont look like that. You would have wasted your life on a body that is constantly changing instead of focusing on your happiness. Your happiness and your dignity is the things that will be with you when you are older. Not your body type. So don't worry about that. You are perfect because you are constantly changing and there is nothing more beautiful than change." Those words really gave me the strength that I needed to start accepting myself again and learning about myself again. Honestly like you said it isn't easy but it wasn't impossible. And your video just made me feel thankful because you reaffirmed my beliefs and I couldn't be happier. I'm so glad you exist. (Sorry this is SO long)

[@honeyyash191]

as a colombian girl who was chubby n overweight her whole life till now learning to love myself Linda represented what i was going through as well im happy to find someone to feel the same and to make me learn to love myself and food and not to be scared of the scale thank you lots of love to you linda!🥰

[@abblauren]

Girl I just want to give you a hug. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@haleybrooke9214]

Literally sobbed through the entire video because it was exactly what I needed to hear today🥺 thank you for sharing your story!! So many people need to hear this🤍

[@clarissalee5398]

I’m so happy. As a chinese as well, I find so much solidarity watching this,, and that I’m not the only one who went through/is going through this same thing. And I feel like I can just enjoy my life now ☺️

[@hayeon_01]

Thank you Linda for being like the long lost friend that I so needed back in primary and secondary school. Thank you for being there for us all now and for many more stronger days to come!!!

[@jovannahsubramanien3636]

You literally have no clue on how much your videos, your way of thinking and just YOU overall have helped me. I will forever be grateful to YT for pushing your content on my home page. You are truly an inspiration and I hope that some day I will be able to enjoy your peanut butter pancakes without feeling any guilt whatsoever! For now, I'm taking a step at a time through my whole recovery process and watching you talking so openly about your own eating disorder really helps. Thank you for being the big sister I always needed, I love you

[@simonapavlikova4452]

your amazing linda, the way you talk about those things, so so glad that you opened to us and told your story. Iam soo proud of you 🤍💞

[@keaiwei8818]

Thank you Linda for being open with us and growing with us a wonderful and inspiring individual we love you 🫶🏻🫶🏻❤️

[@giannalian]

I love you so much Linda! You are my whole inspiration and have helped me with my eating disorder so so much! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@pilarbarros6465]

This made me really emotional bc I can relate to your struggles and it makes me feel like there's still hope, thank you so much linda 🥺❤

[@catarinarosa2595]

This video is so inspiring and thank you so much Linda for giving me your strength and courage. Undoubtedly you were and are one of my biggest inspirations, to be able to continue my recovery. I've been following you since your first videos and it's very gratifying to know that each video you upload gets better and better! Kisses from Portugal and thanks again!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@amnoturgurl9323]

This video is a nice reminder we all struggle in life base on our bodies. Thank you Linda 😊

[@clary4743]

Im Taiwanese- spent the last 21 years if my life being called 壯 and hating the word more than anything. Literally started crying when you said ppl call us “strong” and how messed up it is. I didn’t necessarily grow up in an environment where no one looked like me, but I relate to the consistent paralyzing fear and shame of not being enough in my community. Thank you for sharing your story, and I’m so proud of baby you (and baby me) for growing up beautiful and loving and STRONG inside and out despite all that has happened! You are a diamond in this world :) 加油！

[@LocuraAndante]

Linda you’ve helped my health journey so much. I’m so sorry what you went through, glad you are doing better❤️❤️

[@randomchik62]

Oh my god I'm literally crying. I'm definitely not at that point of self acceptance yet, one day hope to be there but I definitely appreciate you telling your story! Amazing!

[@HannahMarieee]

you’re beautiful nikki 💕

[@randomchik62]

@@HannahMarieee aww, thank you 😊❤

[@angellim8318]

Linda I was literally pouring out tears while watching this video , it reminds me my ed days as well. Glad both of us recovered ! You are an inspiration Linda hope to see more of your videos in the future ^^

[@_fit.juliet_7161]

omggg your words made me cried bc all you told was a sort of a reflect of my own experience with my body: overweight child, want to fit in the beauty standards, eating disorder (anorexia), recovery, body dismorphia, trying now to love myself no matter how I look.. I can’t said I’m totally recovered but everyday I try more and more to not allowed anymore those things to make me feel bad about myself bc we are so much more than just a body and life is so short to waist all the time we have in complaining about things we can’t even control!! So thank you so much for this 🙏 You said so many things that I still try to deny to myself and thank to you I may will put even more effort to accept the person I am. Very grateful

[@2mea_]

Omfg this video was absolutely beautiful I literally couldn’t help but cry!!!!!! Everything you said, I resonated with WORD FOR WORD. From childhood up!! I feel so bad for little me 😭 when you said all that stuff about you as a kid I was basically sobbing my eyes out thinking about my own childhood too!!!! I appreciate you so much, this vid def helped give me the final kick to starting recovery for good 😭🫶🏻

[@TatianaKurnosova]

Thank you so much for being so real and honest Linda! I truly admire you and the way you present your content to the audience 🤍🤍🤍 You are such a beautiful soul and you've helped me a lot when I was going through hard times. Sending hugs and lots of love 💜💜💜

[@magdalena4153]

I've found myself in your story (I'm writing this as a 45(!) yo European with two children, who is constantly learning from you...) It was very touching and inspiring. Thank you Linda! ❤️

[@lollyolliepop]

I absolutely love watching and supporting your journey! I am beyond grateful that you put so much effort into your content and it always motivates me!!! ❤❤❤

[@alicejennings92]

you are literally the most talented person i have ever seen at speaking to camera and conveying ur feelings this got me so emotional i LOVE you so much!! 💖💖

[@skyelead1122]

Ended up crying, this video is all I needed right now

[@marianneregalado2235]

Growing up as a chubby kid, losing weight during teens, and gaining weight again in adulthood because of PCOS and lifestyle really taught me that society still does judge people based on looks/weight. I somehow believe I have body image issues and I never liked the way how my body looks. Nonetheless I am now slowly accepting who I am and I am regularly working out to feel strong, and not to look a certain way.

[@asmaamourad9788]

This hit different. I cried happy tears knowing someone is out there to help me. Thank you

[@Patriciameloc]

Hey Linda! I don't remember exactly how I ended up in your channel a couple of months ago but I stayed not because of your body, what you eat, how much you exercise. I stayed because I LOVED how you tell your stories. The editing, the script, the text, the shots, the music, everything. Your dedication shows and I'm not sure if you know how great of a producer/writer/director you are. And that's all you. Be really proud of that. I'm really sad to see all you have been through from such a young age and happy to see how much love your family has for you and how they've helped you. I would never guess you're only 21, and I can't even imagine how many great things you'll live and achieve. I hope you keep sharing and I would love to keep following in here. You're loved, you're strong, and you're beautiful. PS: I'm Brazilian and Linda means "gorgeous" in Portuguese. Even your name says how beautiful you are, in and out.

[@charlottespets3091]

Feeling scared of gaining wait but also scared of dying is one of the most intense things a person can feel.

[@Isabelll]

Literally cried a little, just want to say that you have helped me A LOT and that i'm super proud over you❤

[@luann4691]

absolutely gave me goosebumps and made me cry in the end. You have no idea how much you help people linda! Thank you for everything ❤️

[@m.t1837]

Omg, Linda, you have no idea how much you are helping me and how much we have in common in our journeys and in general. I cried the whole video because of how relatable your story and feeling and emotions are to my story and how I feel. I have been struggling w food again lately, but it's okay. I am learning and trying and there always will be ups and downs right? The important thing is to not give up :) I am trying to get better and you are helping so so much, thank you.

[@velvetbiscuit7621]

God, when you mentioned your confusion of different ideals from different countries made me so emotional. I've never been more tormented by my brain thinking I need to be super fit and toned OR either super slim. Then suddenly in my secondary school the curvy look came out and I fit in BUT was still told by my colleagues I would look a bit better skinnier in clothes because I'm white... I only got better mentally when I got older and didn't bother being in a big group of friends. More breathing space for my brain

[@user-se5si1xz9l]

I am 14, I grew up in a Chinese family too and I found this extremely relatable. When we moved overseas, my diet had changed, and soon after a few years I had put on some weight. I remember my mom would look at my butt and my waistline and my stretch marks and call me fat and overweight (I was 52 kg at 163cm, and the Chinese “beauty standard” was to be 45 - 49 kg at that height). She would try to put me on diets, and limit how much I eat each day. It has changed a bit now, my mom is making less of the harsh remarks and not limiting my diet as much. However, Linda was the one who truly made me feel more confident and help me during this time and taught me that my body is mine to love and it is okay to be “different to others”, because this is actually the real normal. Thank you Linda. Thank you so much.

[@julchen8732]

You have no idea how much this means to me, i am recently recovering from my ed although i know it will always be a part of me in some way. It is so encouraging knowing that there's someone out there who shares my story and is able to talk so freely about it. The only thing i want is to finally except myself completely and your videos helped my get better even more than my therapist. Thanks Linda, for everything.