Being a woman in today’s society makes something like wholeheartedly loving yourself harder now than ever. We are constantly bombarded with societal standards of what “beauty” is. For a long time my perception of beauty was skewed, and here’s why.
The moment you log onto Instagram, Twitter or even Facebook, we are greeted with images of what society thinks a beautiful woman is, constant reminders of what many of us will never look like, making it almost impossible for women today to feel secure within themselves. Society has normalized the idea that women should alter their physical characteristics in some way in order to achieve these social standards of beauty. This idea of having clear skin, a cinched waist and a perfectly sculpted figure are what makes the perfect woman. In reality, women are real people, with real bodies, and shouldn’t be subjected to, if I’m being honest, the desires of men.
Growing up into the woman I am today, it took me a long time to come to terms with myself and all of my imperfections. I realized that my imperfections were perfections because they make me who I am, and it makes you who you are, too. So, love your stretch marks, cellulite, stomach roles, acne scars and whatever it is that makes you, YOU.