Why don’t we Change the way we Talk about our Bodies?

Maybe you hate your body.

Maybe you just wish your body looked different.

Maybe every day is a battle with food and your appearance.

Or maybe you have the occasional bad day where you don’t like what you see in the mirror looking back at you.

It’s okay that you’re struggling to?even like your body?right now. Many of us are. You know why? Because we live in a world that constantly teaches us to?hate?our bodies. And if you manage to grow up unscathed, you’re one of the few, not the many.

Somehow, we’ve ended up as a society?obsessed?with the shape and weight of our bodies. The imagery we see, whether on social media, on TV, in the pages of magazines, or elsewhere all create the perception that you're not enough if you're not slim with voluminous hair, flawless skin, and a perfect smile – and if I am being honest, it is EXHAUSTING.

We might think these retouched images are harmless to scroll by on our social media feeds, but research shows us time and time again that exposure to media featuring unrealistic body types is invasive and unhealthy. And over time, being exposed to their highlight reel can make you feel shitty about yourself. Because there was always someone?better. Always someone more?successful.

We all have what we call our flaws, whether it’s cellulite, tummy roll, inner thighs rub, wobbly arms etc. We are bombarded with the idea that thinner, fitter people are happier, healthier, and more beautiful.?Somehow, we’ve become a culture?obsessed?with weight, with “larger” equating to unhealthy. But HEALTHY is not represented by appearance. CURVY does not equate to unhealthy.

In recent years, there has been a major surge in the body positivity movement. Body Positivity isn’t just about size inclusivity. It’s about including all ages, abilities, races, and genders as well. It also means enjoying the body you have and not beating yourself up over changes that happen naturally due to aging, pregnancy, or lifestyle choices.

Body positivity promotes the idea that all body types are beautiful and deserve acceptance.? It expands the concept of beauty, but it keeps the focus on appearance.?It neglects all of the other elements of a person’s identity that are more important than how a person looks. Social Media tells us that we are flawed—but then demands that we have a positive attitude about it.?

But learning to love your body when you?really don't?is no easy task and if jumping straight to the positive thoughts feels inauthentic to you, that's OK.?

It’s ok to admit that you don’t necessarily love everything about your body. It’s ok to feel neutral or even indifferent about your body. Your worth does not lie in your shape or your size or in any other aspect of your appearance. And your happiness is not the end of result of the chase for a different shape or size?

We waste so much time thinking about all the things we?don’t?like about our bodies. ?We talk a lot about how we ‘should’ be loving our bodies, in theory we all agree, yes? The road to learning to accepting your body is a long one but we need to begin somewhere - right? Because we have been criticising ourselves for years - it hasn’t worked to make us feel good, has it!

The concept of “Body Positivity” suggests that there is nothing more beautiful than a woman being unapologetically herself, accepting and loving her physical ‘imperfections’.

It’s no secret that advertisers are not always the most reliable when it comes to portraying “realistic” bodies. However, sometimes a company does get it right and launches a campaign centered on ensuring that very thing happens.

Dove was a pioneer in championing so-called "real women" through its marketing and countless other brands have followed in its wake.

JCPenneys - #HEREIAM

There is true beauty in individuality. So, when we start letting go of preconceived notions of who someone is based on what they look like on the outside, we all take one step closer to body positivity.

Sure - #WatchMeMove

There is no 'right way to look' when we move, yet so?many of us hold back from exercise due to?self doubt?and?fear of what others might think.??Sure?believes everyone?deserves to experience the incredible physical, mental?and social benefits movement brings.?

Tu - #AllBoobsWelcome

Always - #LikeAGirl

Using #LikeAGirl as an insult is a hard knock against any adolescent girl. And since the rest of puberty's really no picnic either, it's easy to see what a huge impact it can have on a girl's self-confidence.

So here's to embracing all of our insecurities - Genuine diversity and inclusion is not just “positive progress”. It is crucial - especially for the next generation of adolescents.?

For all of us.