Society today has us focused on things such as our body type, our makeup application, and our posts on social media. All of these things strike the cores of men and women who are fed up with stereotypes and body shaming.
Twenty-one-year-old Caroline Nanni of Sterling Heights has kick-started what she calls, The Body Positive Project.
When Nanni was 18 years old, she became frustrated with the way she viewed herself and how society wanted her to view herself. She sprung into action these past couple of years by flooding her social media with body positive posts.
"Do not place your self-worth in the hands of others, it will destroy you.
You are beautiful at any size.
You do not need a flat tummy or abs.
You do not need curves or muscles.
Thighs gaps are okay and so are thick thighs.
You are loved by so many. Someone not "liking you back" or passing you over because of your body/looks does NOT diminish that. Nor does it mean you can't/shouldn't love YOURSELF.
You do not have to wish you could look like so-and-so. Your body is unique, it is the only one of its kind. That is what makes it so beautiful.
Remember.
#bodyposwarrior #okaytoshare #selflove"
"A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.
A lot of people ask me how I did it, how I continue to do it. How did you get over what other people think? How did you start loving yourself? How do you stop yourself from regressing?
I took it one day at a time. One moment at a time. And it started inside me, not with those around me.
The self-praise came first. With that new found positivity, I was able to realize that people were laughing/saying rude things because I'm fat. And well, I am! But 'fat' is not a dirty word, it wasn't even a hurtful word until society gave it the power to be.
The minute you realize that, the first time you acknowledge that "fat" is no more than an adjective, you take that power away. And this can be applied to any derogatory word or phrase people try to apply to YOUR body, they are just words -- they have no power without our consent.
One day, one moment at a time.
That's I how I did this, that's how I continue to do this. And I know you can do it, too. Whether you're big like me, whether you're thin, whether you're male or female, etc. I believe in you & I can't wait for you to see how beautiful you are.
#bodypositivewarrior #endbodyshaming #plussize#thighsfordays #loveyourself"
"I carry it with me wherever I go. What I post, how I dress, I don't give in because I'm plus size. I aim to smash stereotypes in everyday life," Nanni said.
Nanni hopes that The Body Positive Project lends strength to others struggling with their self-confidence and how they view their body. Nanni aims to inspire people to be confident.
Friends, family, and even strangers have reached out to Nanni to express their thankfulness to see her shine even when society tries to dim her light. Men and women of all shapes and sizes would be wise to take notes from Nanni.
"It's not about how many followers I have. I just hope to continue to inspire those who do follow me and I hope they encourage others, not just to follow me, but follow my same footsteps in self-acceptance," Nanni said.
The Body Positive Project includes photographs of people and words of wisdom to get struggling men and women through daily life.
"The Body Positive Project is about encouraging all of you to color outside of the lines society has drawn for us," Caroline stated.
You can find works by Caroline Nanni, including The Body Positive Project, on her photography business' Facebook page. And keep up with Caroline on her Instagram account.
For those that have a difficult time accepting themselves for who you are, Caroline Nanni is rooting for you.
