Recently, I became a member of Virginia Tech’s Health Education Awareness Team. Members of the HEAT team work to spread awareness of certain issues that infest college students’ lifestyles. Among these issues is one that I hold very close to me: body positivity. The Body Project is a nationally recognized body acceptance program designed to teach young women how to resist physical pressures. In this program, women learn the costs of pursuing appearance-ideals, ways to combat fat talk and the basics of body activism. At the end of each session, women are asked to write a letter to a younger girl who has just begun to struggle with body image. As a Body Project facilitator, and an activist for body positivity, this is my letter.
Dear younger girl,
When I was your age, I was the most confident girl in the world. Always on my feet, with an imagination running as wild as my uncombed hair, my self-assurance never faltered. I never needed to dress up or wear makeup to feel beautiful. With a middle parted ponytail, hand-me-down basketball shorts and two freshly skinned knees, I woke up every morning excited to take on each day.
At the age of 15, my imagination wandered towards a dark path. I started to hate the way I looked. Every piece of myself that I once admired, seemed suddenly flawed. Ever since I turned onto that dim, fateful trail, my struggles only worsened. If I could take back one mistake in my life, it would be the first time I looked in the mirror with a critical lense. Never allow yourself to make that mistake.
As you grow up, things will change. Your mindset, body image and lifestyle habits will fluctuate with each and every day. Everyone has insecurities, however, sometimes these insecurities can control the way we live our lives. Sometimes, these insecurities can change our lives entirely. Never allow yourself to fall victim.
Choose to be your biggest fan, not your biggest enemy. You are strong, you are beautiful and your strength will last a lifetime if you allow it to. Every bump, every curve and every scar adds a little extra spice to a unique and flavorful you. Being tan, skinny or busty does not define a beautiful woman. Healthy is happy, and happy is beautiful. Aspire to become the healthiest version of yourself, and happiness will follow suit.
No one will ever recreate you, so appreciate your presence in this world as truly one of a kind. By doing this, your older self will be forever grateful.
Love,
An older, remorseful girl
If you are a female student at Virginia Tech interested in attending The Body Project, click here!
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