Everywhere I look on social media, I see things about healthy looking (or as some people call it, “plus sized”) girls becoming models and people sharing how they are proud of the way they look and that society can’t change that. It makes me proud to live in a time where people feel so confident about themselves. But how do they do it?
A major problem in this world is the battle of body image, body shaming, and society’s image of the perfect body. This has caused issues with people, both younger and older, eating disorders being one of the most serious. Looking in the mirror and not being happy with what you see is the most discouraging feeling in the world. It’s hard to shake the feeling that you will never look good enough and will never be skinny enough. At this point, these thoughts may not even be to please the thoughts of society; it’s a personal battle between the mind and body and not being able to accept yourself.
How does one overcome that feeling? How can one be that person that popped up on Facebook and is proud of themselves and is perfectly healthy looking? It’s easy when hearing it from another person, but it’s hard for some to believe that they are just as beautiful in their own body. Everything from continuously working out and strict and almost unhealthy diets to new clothes and a face full of makeup, it never feels like it’s enough to satisfy the mind. It’s all psychological and it feels impossible. And that’s where it starts.
It takes some time to overcome this feeling and begin to accept that you’re beautiful. It is possible. Starting by surrounding yourself with a support system, or engaging in different activities with your loved ones will change attitudes and will feel so uplifting and carefree in the moment. Keep that at a constant rate, and it gradually gets better. Only accept positive vibes in your life, kick out all negativity that you feel may be part of the reason why you feel so down. Focus your energy on feeling healthy which will ultimately lead to you feeling good about yourself. Taking care of yourself should be a number one priority and looking in the mirror will become a thing of joy and not dismay.
I know that things like this are so much easier to hear than to act on. I have been battling with these thoughts for a long time, and it’s still hard to get it through my head and take the advice that I am dishing out. It’s so easy to see the beauty in someone else and to admire the confidence they have. Personally, I envy that. I want to be the girl who looks in the mirror and says, “Fuck it, I look and feel great and I am happy with myself”. But again, in order to say that, I have to tackle my inner thoughts and believe that I can be as radiant as those girls.
Coming from a friend that truly understands: if other people can see the greatness in you, you can learn to love yourself. Surrounding yourself with people who love you for you is the key to moving mountains. You are never alone, and there is someone out there who loves you. If someone else can love you for all of your flaws and see the beauty that you to hold, it makes it easier to accept yourself. Body image is something in the mind, and you can overcome it by surrounding yourself with these people.
Accepting a body image that you are not happy with is a hard thing to do. Feeling confident with yourself can seem hard if your mindset is not in the right place. Focusing on the positives, your health, your happiness, and believing the people who know you’re are perfect the way you are is the main start when beginning to feel good about yourself.
