Last week was Body Positivity Week for the social news and entertainment website BuzzFeed. For seven days, people from all around the world embraced their bodies, adored their imperfections and smiled at their flaws.
Let's bring this positivity to the Odyssey.
It's time to stop feeling ashamed of our appearances. It's time to start looking at the love in people's hearts and not at the marks of their skin. Here is why everyone and every body is beautiful.
Your body is yours.
"Don't compare yourself to others... that's a battle you can never win." - Michelle Parsons
Just like snowflakes, no two bodies are alike. Every single detail is different right down to the fingerprint. How fascinating is that? You have your own body, and that's what makes you stand out. You are born an original, so why would you die a copy? Own that body because no one else can have it.
Your body is authentic.
"Because in case you haven't noticed, people come in all shapes and sizes and they're all beautiful." - Raven Symoné
Don't bother looking at that model in the magazine. Don't waste time wishing to have a smaller waist or washboard abs. Looks can be deceiving, and that's all you will see in the media. Those photographs have been doctored, edited and distorted. They are layered with airbrush and Photoshop. What you see is not a person. It's a fabrication. Your body is beautiful because it is real. And that's all that matters.
Your body is perfectly imperfect.
"When you accept yourself, the whole world accepts you." - Lao Tzu
Acceptance of oneself is one of the hardest things a person can do. You are not alone. Insecurities live in each and every one of us, whether we know it or not. We hate our acne, we despise those love handles, we think we are too fat, or we think we are too skinny. Embrace the imperfections. We frown at our reflections because we cannot see the beauty of our smile. There is something captivating about you, I promise. Just look a little deeper.
Your body is unique.
"You can't blend in when you were born to stand out." - R.J. Palacio
Freckles add character to your skin. Your blue eyes can mesmerize anyone you meet. Your curves are powerful and fierce. Your smile can warm the coldest heart. Yes, there is something about you that can wow a crowd. Your body is unique and don't let anyone let you think otherwise. Your worth is not determined by a number of a scale or the hurtful words of others. Inner beauty trumps physical appearance any day.
Your body is God's masterpiece.
"She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:25
Do you know what's even more beautiful than your body? Your soul. You were made in the image and likeness of God, so what more could you possibly want? You are created from love, for love, to love. You exhibit beauty because you came from the One who is perfectly beautiful. The universe is God's art exhibit, and you are His masterpiece. Smile at the work of art that you are. You are beautiful.
