Based in New York City, Sophia San Filippo has worked with Love What Matters as a lead editor and content curator since early 2019 and has acted as Managing Editor since early 2021. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Binghamton University who holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Creative Writing, and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. She is passionate about personal storytelling and creating a positive space in media to better the lives of others. On a typical day you can find her rocking out at her local concert venue, admiring nature, or baking her latest kitchen experiment.
‘You sure you want to eat that? You’d be so pretty if you lost weight.’ I watched girls develop cute figures while I hid behind baggy clothes.’: Binge eating disorder warrior details emotional 140-pound weight loss journey
“I wanted so badly to fit in that when a boy I liked asked me out I was so excited I didn’t even think about it and said yes! But my excitement was short lived, only to find out he was dared to do it and said he’d never go out with a ‘lard a–‘ like me. In 2019, I was tired of not enjoying my life. I wanted to get healthy, for ME.”
‘Am I going to throw up? Surprise! It’s s—t. There’s diarrhea all over. My husband is helping me with my hospital gown while simultaneously WIPING MY ASS.’: Mom hilariously recounts precipitous labor experience
“Doctor finally comes. ‘I NEED DRUGS! WHERE IS THE EPIDURAL MAN? TELL HIM I NEED HIM.’ I am screaming, begging, pleading. The doctor smiles at me while the nurses put an IV in my arm. They tell me they need to check to make sure my water broke. I spread my legs and they can already see my baby’s head. 7 centimeters dilated. F–k…me.”
‘The kid our school labeled ‘severely intellectually disabled’ just got an A in every class.’: Teen with nonverbal autism thrives after leaving exclusive public school
“17 years ago, I had no idea how much the world would overlook and underestimate my son. When I realized just how much harm public school was causing him, I pulled him out.”
‘He built the American Dream with nothing but his own blood, sweat, and tears.’: Daughter pays it forward after selfless father passes away
“I can’t think of a better way to honor and remember a man whose entire life was dedicated to making life better for anyone he could.”
‘How is your house so clean with two kids?!’ They don’t realize the literal pain I feel inside when it’s not.’: Woman details navigating motherhood with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
“I’ve always needed things to be kept clean, in order, and put in just the ‘right’ place. I used to joke for years about having OCD. Then I got diagnosed a few months ago, and it wasn’t so funny anymore. It was a slap in the face.”
‘After six long months grieving the end of my 8-year relationship, I walked into a hotel bar. ‘Can I sit with you while I wait for a friend?’: Woman shares ‘whirlwind’ love story
“I walked in, independent and confident, scanning the tables, wondering who would be interesting to talk with. As my rational mind kicked in, I said to myself, ‘What are you doing here? Who goes to a bar alone?’ About to walk out, I noticed a table with three people. One small choice would change the course of my existence.”
‘I loved you before them. But with them between us now, I love you even more. As a dad, your light shines even brighter.’: Mom shares ode to father of her children
“You have seen me at my worst, my weakest, my most challenging of moments and tiredness of years. Of pregnancies, of births, of postpartum. Yet you hold my hand even tighter.”
Sweet Child, May We Forever Be Each Other’s Constant
“‘Mama, can you rest with me?’ She points to her chest and has me lay my head down. Oh, the sweet sound of her breath. Her soft hands gently stroking my hair as we lay in silence. Her hands comforting and soothing this restless heart of mine. One night, the air will be silent, only filled with a hug and a kiss goodnight.”
We Need Your Support, Even After The Newborn Phase Ends
“I’m still in postpartum clothes, stained and stretched. I’m still wearing my hair whichever way is easiest, messy and practical. I’m still anchored at home, under him and on top of nothing.”
‘How did we get here?’ After 12 years, we turned into unrecognizable strangers. I was 27, a mom to the sweetest boy, and getting divorced. This wasn’t the plan.’: Single mom takes the risk, meets ‘knight in shining armor’ on Tinder
“My friend encouraged me to make a dating profile. ‘Find 3 guys you feel a connection with, give 2 your number, and go on a date with 1… ‘ I found myself driving towards Applebee’s, my heart racing. I just wanted to get ‘this’ going or over with, then my phone rings. ‘Ashton – Cute Tinder Guy’ flashes across my phone screen. Time and my breathing stop.”