Body Positivity Article
Why Women Should Love Their Bodies & Embrace Body Positivity
Women are amazing. Our bodies can do so many incredible things, so it’s heartbreaking to hear friends say things like, “Ugh, I hate how big my thighs are,” or, “I just want to lose, like, 20 pounds and then I’ll be happy.” I’m not saying these negative thoughts never cross my mind, or that you can completely eliminate them from yours. Unfortunately, due to the media-heavy society we were raised by, and this constant lust for the perfect Instagram body, we all have negative thoughts about ourselves while scrolling through social media feeds. Body positivity is difficult to re-learn when our lives are saturated with ads telling us how to be thinner or more desirable. According to the National Organization for Women 59% of us are unhappy with our bodies. That’s a problem. Women are beautifully powerful, and many of us need to be reminded of the power we possess regardless of our size, color, age, ability, or presumed societal status.
Your body is capable of amazing things, appreciate that
Women’s bodies are ever-changing. We are simultaneously tough, comforting, resilient, nurturing, and just plain fierce. Our bodies are capable of growing and birthing human beings. This intricate process is physically and mentally exhausting, but our bodies adapt in order get the job done. Even if it’s not your choice to have children, the fact that you are capable of such a thing should be a point of pride. If you are already a mother, and your body has changed because of it, be proud. That loud and sticky little human grew inside of you. Your body made that. Wear your stretch marks like a superhero would wear a cape. Never stop admiring what your body has been through, and always give it the love and respect it deserves.
Worth does not equal weight
Weight is obviously the main focus when someone decides to “get in shape,” however, weight isn’t the whole story. Yes, numerous studies have shown that an unhealthy weight can lead to illness, but skinny doesn’t always equal healthy. Overall lifestyle choices have a bigger impact on our health than the number on your scale. Regardless of your current choices, which are yours to make, your weight does not make you any less worthy of your dream job, or a stable and loving relationship. Don’t put off sending in your resume, or reaching out to that person who swiped right until you lose [insert number] pounds. You deserve to be happy now, and you are just as capable and worthy now as you would be a few pounds less.
No body is as perfect as it seems
Instagram bodies aren’t real. Any picture can look good if taken from the right angle with the right lighting, so don’t fall for the trap! Accounts that boast that perfectly round booty and how you can get it too are only adding to our society’s narrow view of ideal beauty. They’re willing to bend the truth and make you feel inadequate in order to sell you a product. Guilty of following a few of these accounts? Don’t worry, we all are. Simply unfollow any account that makes you wish you looked more like them and less like you. Follow body positive accounts that celebrate the natural beauty of women’s bodies. Follow people who are real.
It’s time to embrace the body positivity movement. We only get one vessel to take us through this messy life, and it is beautifully powerful. Take care of it, show it some love, and it will do the same for you.