We don’t remember the compliments, we dwell on the critiques. We don’t focus on what makes us beautiful, but instead we pick apart the things that we think make us flawed.
And why?
Because it’s easier.
Body positivity isn’t just about posting IG pictures that show our realness, but it’s about speaking positively to yourself and having a healthy frame of mind when it comes to your body. But it is soooooooo much harder than it sounds! Like I’ve talked about in posts in the pasts, issues like this aren’t black and white, just like eating disorders. Mine manifested itself in 4 different disorders, and body positivity can be just as complicated. It isn’t just about someone who might be a little larger embracing their curves, it is completely personal! And because brands market their size 2, 5’6”, 0% body fat, C cup models, anyone who doesn’t fit that mold might find themselves insecure.
And I’m going to open up about my insecurities, and why it is so important for me, and everyone, to embrace those differences.
I’m tall….. I know, cry me a river. But sometimes I’ll be standing in a group and feel like I am towering over people. Yes, I have a rather outgoing personality anyway, but I don’t like to make people feel small. Both emotionally or physically. Enter… posture issues. I find myself literally bending over to try and fit in with the group. How bizarre is that! I subconsciously try to lower myself to other’s heights just so I don’t stand out. Instead I should be standing tall, embracing my height that other people might actually covet! And thank goodness my husband is (beyond) tall so my 4-inch heels will remain in my closet.
Ready for another one?
I have larger legs. Okay, that’s a nice way of saying my thighs are huge. They are out of proportion with the rest of my body and my biggest insecurity, since before I can even remember having insecurities. And as I’ve gotten older it is harder to keep them in line, and while I’m never going to stop exercising and working to be in my best physical shape, to a certain extent I have to just accept that maybe my legs are just going to be a little bigger. And I could be that fitness blogger that boasts confidence and say, “and I’m okay with that”, well… I’m working on it. It’s a constant battle just like anything with my health, but what’s the alternative?
I could pick my body apart!! I could hate my legs, wish I had perkier boobs (you know what I’m talking about ladies), want a tighter stomach, hate the wobble in my arms, the list could go on and on and on and on…
and on!
I have to remind myself of the following every day; I am healthy! I work out 8 times a week, I eat incredibly healthy (so much so that my family makes fun of me for it). And that wobble on my arms? Is skin!!!!! I’m not going to get a boob job so, Victoria, can you give a girl a push?
And something we both have to remind ourselves of is that we. are. strong. You don’t have to be able to squat a certain number of pounds or complete a certain number of push ups to be strong. I am CERTAIN that the things that you go through on a daily basis make you strong. That douchebag ex-boyfriend? Made you stronger.
So whether you work out 8 times a week, once a week, or once in a blue moon, your strength is your own and that alone is a beautiful thing! So remember the compliments, ditch the criticisms (because they were probably said by jerks anyway), and start talking to yourself in the most positive way you can! I’m talking Hallmark card, cheesy movie line type of positive talk! And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll actually be able to believe the good things, because there’s no reason not to.
