Throughout life, everyone is told that nobody is perfect. Eventually, people take this phrase to heart and realize that it is okay to make mistakes.
However, when it comes to self-image, it appears that many people, especially women, discard the thought that it’s okay to look different.
Well ladies, it’s time to realize that nobody is perfect and no body is perfect, either.
Too often women refer and feel inferior to the single type of body image that society, Hollywood, magazines and advertisements portray — thin, tall and essentially flawless. And you know what? Those women are beautiful. But you know what else? So are you.
It’s time to redefine body image in society, and it all starts with the way you see yourself. It isn’t likely you will wake up one morning and suddenly say “I love my body,” but the process all starts with saying “I’ll try.” Check out these tips on how to jump-start your journey to truly loving the way you look.
Realize Beauty Is Not Universal
Look around. Diversity and multiculturalism are everywhere. In some countries, being large is the societal norm. In other countries, it’s being blonde. Just because in the United States we see woman being portrayed a certain way, that doesn’t mean that they are what we should use to define beauty.
Beauty is something that you define for yourself and of yourself. You were born in your body in your life for a reason, so why should you accept a definition set by others to feel like you are beautiful? Be your own beautiful.
Don’t Over Evaluate Yourself
Women have a tendency to sit in front of the mirror and analyze their bodies and physical appearance from head to toe, nitpicking at the tiniest characteristics on themselves. Stop.
Go back to the old saying of, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all,” when you are standing in front of the mirror. Instead of worrying about those characteristics, put on a smile and just walk out the door. Many people, magazines and advice columns will tell you to just start complimenting yourself instead. While you should strive to eventually start saying positive things about your appearance, take it one step at a time to make sure you don’t feel overwhelmed or like you’re not being honest with yourself. The first step is to stop over-evaluating and being negative when you’re looking at yourself.
Don’t Complain. Just Do It!
It’s understandable that you may not like how much you weigh. Luckily, this is something that you can change, you just have to get up and do it! Complaining will not get you anywhere. It will only bring your spirits down and take you two steps backward.
If this is something you really want to change, then start by believing in yourself. It’s important to set your goal on the idea of being healthy, not of looking “skinny.” Also realize that you’re not alone. If you do a little research online, you’ll find hundreds of online communities where people got up and started paving a path to becoming more fit. Use these communities, your goals and your true desire to change to get up and go!
Accept Your Cheerleading Squad
More than likely there is someone in your life who is supportive of you. Your mom, grandpa, brother, boyfriend, best friend, teacher or even a former coach. Let them know what you’re doing, whether it’s losing weight or just changing the way you look at yourself. While it may be hard to take a compliment or let someone know what you’re trying to accomplish, the support will feel incredibly motivating.
Use the ones who care about you most to fuel your motivation and keep you going one step at a time. If you stumble or take step back in the wrong direction, let your cheerleaders lead you back in the right direction. They love and support you for a reason, so let them cheer you on along your way to loving how you look.
Know You’ll Stumble, but Promise to Stand Up Again
The journey to loving yourself isn’t easy. Whether you’re trying to start complimenting yourself in the mirror instead of criticizing; whether you’re trying to embrace your chest size or the fact the fact that your pants have doubled in size since middle school; whether you’re embarking on a bodybuilding journey that you never thought you could do, realize that it won’t be a walk in the park, but that you can do it. You can. Even if you stumble or feel a little down someday, just promise that you’ll pick yourself back up again. Always try to reach that goal of loving yourself, because no matter what, no one and nothing can stop you from trying.
Loving yourself isn’t easy, especially with all the pressure that society puts on body image. But this standard and outlook will never change if women don’t take a stand against it and start redefining beauty and body image. While it may take some time, don’t delay another day in starting the journey to loving the way you look. The more women start loving their unique bodies and images, the more the world will become accepting of the beauty that is everyone’s physical individuality!