We have been trained by society to take our bodies for granted. However, this is mocked by the saying: “you always want what you can’t have.” But if we were taught to love our bodies in the first place then there would be no need for that quote to come to the defense of our insecurities. Women are always too skinny, too heavy, too curvy, too short, too tall… but the truth is “perfection” is just a word society uses to shame the marginalized. Nobody is perfect, just like nobody is imperfect. With summer approaching quickly young women are in panic mode: “My body isn’t ready yet!” “I can’t put on a bathing suit until I lose all this fat!” “I’m going to look like a beached whale this summer!” Which by the way, the beached whale comment is overdone and too figurative to be funny anymore. Empowerment is the new black. This summer before you look in the mirror it is vital you remember these things to stay body positive and to love yourself wholeheartedly:
1. There is no true “beach bod.”
Bathing suits were not created with one type of body shape in mind. They were invented so that you could go in the ocean without chafing and ruining your clothes. Whether you choose to wear a one-piece, two-piece, or a big t-shirt, you will be actively showing off your “beach bod”.
2. There is actually no such thing as perfect when it comes to body image.
Previously mentioned, perfection is unattainable.
3. You are your biggest critic.
The way you perceive yourself is nothing like the way the world sees you.
4. Your body is not a temple.
A peer of mine recently introduced me to a quote by the poet Sierra DeMulder: “Your body is not a temple. Your body is the house you grew up in. How dare you try to burn it to the ground?” *snaps for Sierra*
5. The number of likes you receive is not a measurement of your worth.
While this summer’s instagram feed will most likely be full of bathing suits pics on beaches, the amount of likes you receive does not determine how skinny you are.
6. We rise by lifting others.
Cady Heron said it best, “Calling somebody else fat won’t make you any skinnier.”
7. You will be remembered for how you treat people, not what size jean you’re wearing.
No one ever shames a big heart.
8. Only you can decide your happiness.
Don’t let the influence of what other people say affect how you see yourself.
9. Your soul needs to be fed too.
It’s okay to be confident, give yourself compliments. In a world where there is so much hate the least you can do is love yourself.