In her memoir "Hunger," Roxane Gay explores her journey toward self-acceptance and the importance of prioritizing personal happiness over societal expectations. She reflects on the pressures that often accompany weight loss, emphasizing that true contentment stems from feeling at ease in one's own skin, rather than simply achieving a certain body image. Gay expresses a desire to detach from the opinions of others, recognizing that these thoughts should not dictate her self-worth.

This realization highlights a significant shift in Gay's perspective, as she learns to value her own feelings and comfort above external judgments. By focusing on personal well-being instead of conforming to societal standards, she seeks to redefine happiness in a way that empowers her. Ultimately, Gay's message is one of self-love and acceptance, advocating for a healthier relationship with the body and a rejection of toxic ideals.