“Walking into every room with confidence reminds yourself and others just how much you deserve to take up all the space!”

These are wise words from body acceptance activist and lymphedema warrior Carmen Rene (she/her). And the next place she’s walking confidently into is the Strike Your Empowerment Pose virtual event tomorrow with shapewear brand Shapermint, where she’ll be joining her fav body confidence babes in unpacking raw and authentic feelings about their bodies and how they celebrate them.

Here, the Oregonian talks about her journey with lymphedema, gives pose tips for our own pics, and reveals what shapewear is giving her life rn.

Do you mind sharing about your journey with lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic condition causing swelling, typically in the arms or legs due to a damaged lymphatic system. My journey with lymphedema began when I was 3 years old after complaining about pain in my legs and feet. Growing up with lymphedema was extremely challenging, especially when it came to affecting my confidence and self esteem, which took almost 25 years to heal. I was later diagnosed with lipedema at 32, which actually affects 1 in 11 women. Lipedema is extremely painful due to the abnormal fat nodules under the skin. What most people don’t know is the fat affected by lipedema will never go away on its own, no matter what your lifestyle consists of.

Part of your work as a body acceptance activist is to practice confident poses. What are some we can try?
Any pose is good as long as you feel confident and powerful. An easy one to do is to face front, cross one leg in front of the other (as far as it feels comfortable). Then put your weight into the hip that feels best and have fun with it! Play with your hair, put your hands in your pocket, laugh, smile, and don’t be afraid to keep trying new poses that make you feel most empowered.

Now what’s your go-to?
Despite all my photographers’ efforts to break my habits [laughing], my go-to pose is usually sitting or kneeling with my hand playing in my hair. We love a good tummy pic sitting down and a sultry face!

What’s your fav shapewear at the moment? What do you like to style it with?
My go-to shapewear is the seamless mid-waist short. I style it with all of my summer dresses, skirts, and even with a long button down and crop top. The mid-waist shorts are key to the survival of my thighs during these hot summer months (IYKYK). Thick thighs may save lives, but they certainly need some protection from chafing (which must be avoided at all costs).

What’s something you want others to remember when they’re not feeling themselves?
Your body is worth celebrating and loving at every step of your journey. Make daily practices to make long-term changes in how you view your amazing reflection in the mirror and don’t waste another day putting off making memories, wearing the outfit, or questioning your worth. You are worthy, loved, and beautiful.