It's a known fact that most of us will undoubtedly struggle with body image at some point in our life. Looking in the mirror and not liking the body staring back at you might be something that happens every once in awhile or something that drags you down each day.
Personally, I'm convinced that the topic of body positivity has no age requirement when it comes to information or discussion of the topic. Regardless of age, amongst many other factors, one's body image becomes distorted due to many factors, such as peer involvement, false perceptions from mass media, or even the people we idolize most in life- our role models.
The words our role models use to define their body says a lot about how we will view our bodies. Is society teaching our youth that having a certain body type is the only way we are allowed to feel worthy of genuinely appreciating our bodies? This seems absurd. Bodies come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors; their differences don't make them wrong, they make them unique.
What happens when we become role models ourselves?
Rather than turning to a number on a scale or a percentile of where we fall on a graph to define us, set the focus on health above all. There are so many examples of what healthy looks like, and it differs for everyone. Make this a known fact.
Be encouraging.
Be a role model who supports an active lifestyle.
Promote foods that nourish the body. Treat your body right and set examples for those who look up to you. Bodies are meant to be powerful and capable, but they don't all look the same, nor will they ever. Exhibit body positivity and show them to love the body they have. After all, they only get one.