So, what is the Body Positivity Movement?
The Body Positivity Movement was founded in 1996 as a way for people to express self-love. In a society where beauty is valued over everything else, most people don’t feel comfortable in their own skin. This movement gives people an outlet to express their self-confidence.
What do they do?
As women, we face more negative comments on our appearance. From T.V. shows to magazines, there are always comments on what women should look like. Our bodies are expected to all look the same, but with this movement women of all body shapes are encouraged to love themselves. The Body Positivity Movement gives women an outlet to feel comfortable in their own skin. They run workshops on how to love your body and how to feel more confident in yourself. In these workshops they talk about, “being as kind to yourself as you are to others, learning and growing through making ‘mistakes’ and developing sustainable eating and exercise habits,” (thebodypositive.org).
How can I be more body positive?
It’s important for us as women to love ourselves, but it is also important for us to support one another. We need to stop body-shaming our peers and encourage them to feel more confident in their own skin. Instead of only complimenting each other’s appearances, try complimenting them on their athleticism or their intelligence. We need to start building each other up, not tearing each other down.
For more information, go to thebodypositive.org.