“We’ve spent so many years on education, but nobody has taught us how to love ourselves” Anonymous
If it weren’t for numerous campaigns teaching us that it’s okay to look the way we look, would’ve we ever even thought that there was something wrong with our bodies in the first place? Most probably not. Still, the very powerful, twirling industry goes back and forth between body criticizing and body empowerment, so much so that we barely think about anything else. Suddenly, the body image became the only topic worth thinking about, and it’s disturbing.
Out of plenty fake campaigns seemingly encouraging women to love themselves just so they could sell them at-the-time-popular weight loss product or an anti-wrinkle cream (that appears to have magical powers and wipe away 50 years of one’s life off of their faces), there stand out a few honest ones. Those are the ones like the one we’re writing about, where women are sick and tired of being objectified and they’re finally ready to truly embrace themselves for who they are and the way they look. Hell, the whole plastic surgery industry is making money on our insecurities! This is where we say IT’S ENOUGH.
To all of you amazing souls out there, here are a few simple, yet amazing steps to lead to you confidence, happiness and absolute appreciation of your (imperfect) body:
Imperfect is beautiful
There is not a single perfect person in this world, nor will there ever be; human species doesn’t recognize perfection and all that appears to be perfect is artificially created (through surgery, makeup, various alterations, etc). On top of that, there isn’t a single module of perfection – from the Ancient Greece over Baroque to today, ideals of beauty have been changing; for instance, a (today) plus size woman was the ideal of beauty in Renaissance. Embrace your curves and extras, they are your grace.
Say “thank you”
Usually, burdened with the expectations imposed by society we forget to say “thank you” for everything we are but rather complain for everything we’re not. Take a good look at your body and say grace to the Universe for giving you both glorious hands to use, a pair of strong legs to stand on, hips that can carry the world and a healthy torso that’s making you a walking Goddess.
Your base is healthy, functional and complete. Be grateful. Alterations like shedding a few pounds at the gym are okay, as long as they come from a desire to be better not a complex to fit in.
Work with what you’ve got
Victoria’s Secret Angels what? Sure, it would be wise to look up to them for dieting tips if looking like a walking Barbie would be the only job you do. Like you wouldn’t enjoy a green smoothie breakfast every morning with flavors of almond, coconut and soy milk if it helped you go through a day at the office, three kids, all the errands and everything around the house. Come on!
Let’s keep false ideals on the side and not try to fit size zero for now. Grace your beautiful figure with your favorite plus size clothing items that will emphasize your gorgeous curves and make you feel sexy, desirable and confident. Don’t let the label “plus size” fool you – there’s nothing plus size in a number 14, 16, 18… but that’s a whole different story. You are a Goddess, remember it!
Find your favorites
We’ve all got favorite parts of our bodies and face, don’t we? Find yours and emphasize them! You have amazing legs? Wear shorter skirts! You love your lips? Emphasize them! Are you proud of your plump bum? Show it off with bodycon! It’s all about being in harmony with your body and knowing it better than anyone, honestly!
Dear women everywhere, we’re in this together and we understand how hard it is to fight the demons of the 21st century. But we’re here, and we’ll cope. You are beautiful – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Author BIO:
Sophia Smith is Australian based beauty and fashion blogger. She is also very passionate about DIY projects, latest fashion trends and organic beauty products. Sophia writes mostly in beauty and fashion related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. She is regular contributor at High Style Life.
Awesome post! I so love reading articles like this. Thanks for posting!
Thank you so much for sharing this. We really should embrace our imperfections. That way, we will live happier. Keep it up! I will share this with others.
Wonderful article! I’d love to be back here on your blog!