Shout out to the Natural Living Journal, located in Louisville, KY for allowing me to write about the importance of body positivity! It's crucial that we learn to love and accept ALL of our body.
Enjoy!!!
NOTE TO OLD SELF: Do my arms look fat in this dress? What about these pants? Do they make my butt look big? Gosh, I feel so fat! Why can’t I look skinny and beautiful like those models in magazines? How do they seem so “in shape and flawless?” What about those pretty girls at school, with their perfect hair, perfect skin, and perfect clothes? I’ve gotta be like that too!
I just don’t get it. I exercise every day (more times than once), I eat clean (living calorie to calorie), and I do my fair-share of buying in-style clothing. But why do I ALWAYS feel left out? When I look at myself, there isn’t much to like.
Questions…so many dang questions about my body that I don’t understand! So many times, I’ve wanted to rest, but kept going. So many times where I was hungry and didn’t eat. So many times, where I hid behind the scale letting it define me. But for what?
I’m constantly comparing, trying to accomplish how I could be like EVERYONE else. I assume everyone else is slim, had frizz free hair, and name brand clothing. I sense the need to be “perfect” by looking and acting a certain way. I feel that it’s weird to be quirky and naive… Ugh, the list went on and on… Wrong attitude folks! I reiterate wrong attitude.
Let’s pause there…I want to ask you this BEFORE we flash forward. Have you or are you doing this? I urge you to please stop this type of thinking. It serves you no longer! You are worth more, just the way you are. It’s time for YOU to love yourself, YOUR body, YOUR hair, all of YOU.
Let’s break those negative self-image habits, and kick’em to the curb! Why? Because it’s doing you more harm than good to stay in a negative mindset. But if you’re stuck in a rut, there is a better way out of all this negative self-talk. There is a way to love yourself unconditionally.
Yep, that’s right. I’m sure you are thinking… How did this girl that was afraid of being seen for who she was get out of negative body image and undesirable self-esteem? Well, let me tell ya…it wasn’t easy. But it happened. And it can happen for YOU too! Here’s how.
NOTE TO NEW SELF: My eyes opened, and I decided to leave the old ego at the door. It’s like something told me to STOP. Stop trying to be someone you’re not. Stop thinking you are unworthy and stop constantly comparing. It was time to realize my own beauty, strengths, and abilities I hid for so long.
I wanna share some tips that you can use when you’re in need of an inner pep-talk, but I suggest practicing them daily. Now, it will take some time to change your behavior, nonetheless, I’ve got faith that you will be on your way towards body-positivity with practice and patience. It takes A LOT of practice and patience, but the benefits of loving your body and loving yourself are unmeasurable. So here we go:
Tip 1: Replace a negative thought with a positive one. Be mindful of what you say about yourself and to yourself. Our words are powerful.
Tip 2: Think about ALL the things your body can do (and does) on daily basis. Don’t forget to give it thanks. There is so much power in gratitude. Giving thanks even for the little things like smiling should be appreciated. Definitely breathing, walking, laughing, dreaming, etc. should NEVER be unnoticed.
Tip 3: Be around positive people. If you’re around others that like you for the REAL you, it’s definitely going to raise self-confidence.
Tip 4: Become aware of who you follow, like, tweet on social media. If they make you feel bad about yourself, time to unfollow. It’s doing your body and mind no favors!
Tip 5: Do nice things for yourself. Make time to get a massage, take a long bath, read, write, do what fuels your flame. Your body, mind, AND spirit will thank you.
Tip 6: Wear clothes that make you feel happy. Work WITH your body NOT against it.
These tips have helped me in more ways than one, and I’m thrilled to share them with you. I believe 110% that it’s CRUCIAL to change our attitudes and beliefs when heading towards a more positive outlook with our bodies. When we learn to be less judgmental, we truly can set ourselves free and lean into self-love. Till the next time…
Sending you much love,
Kayla
Comments