Growing up, I've heard countless negative comments about my body or the bodies of those around me. As a result, my confidence was badly shaken and I spent years being disgusted when I looked in the mirror. One day I woke up, faced my image and thought: "Why should I be ashamed of my body? Who is anyone to dictate whether or not I should love myself?!"
We live in a world where glossy magazines can morph our self-image and destroy our self-confidence. Let's face it, not everybody is a size zero, not everyone has a six pack, and not one person is free of flaws. It's important to not let the expectations of what you should look like make you unhappy.
1. Your body is unique
No two bodies are alike. Each person's body is a result of genetics and lifestyle choices, and each person's body will have different strengths and weaknesses. We shouldn't compare our bodies to other bodies because we are all different.
2. Health comes first
At the end of the day, you rely on your body to live a long and healthy life, and you should reward your body for allowing you to do so. Your body works tirelessly and sometimes we take that for granted. Remember: Not every thin or buff individual is healthy, and not every overweight individual is necessarily unhealthy. All that matters is that you're healthy.
3. You have the power
You shouldn't change your body for anyone other than yourself. However, if you're unhappy with a little extra weight or just want to tone up, then you have the power to do something about it. It's YOUR body and your right to do as you please. You have the power to change your lifestyle habits, but accept that some things can't be changed, and that's perfectly okay. You shouldn't have to change yourself to please anybody. It's a cliché, but it's true, the right person for you will love you and your flaws, and they will love and appreciate your body because it is a part of you.
4. Confidence goes a long way
It's no surprise that the days we wake up and feel good about ourselves turn out to be our best days. A positive attitude and self-confidence enhance your happiness and lift the spirits of others. We will all have those days when we feel like potatoes rolling out of bed, and that's normal. It’s when we feel that way every day that we have a problem.
5. You are beautiful
Whether you wear an extra small, or a plus size, whether you're angular or buff or in between, whether you have a thin or wide frame, or whether you are a male or a female, you are beautiful. You are beautiful because you're unique, you are beautiful because you are human, and you are beautiful because you exist.
