Whether media or culturally inflicted, everyone struggles with body image at some point in their lives. As we get caught up in the struggle and debate, there are a few things I think people seem to forget in the midst of it all.

Body image is something everyone struggles with.

People of all ages, genders, sexes, and sexual orientations - all people - deal with insecurity. We shouldn’t discount anyone’s experience.

Boys struggle just as much as girls do.

In all of the marketing and advertising about bringing awareness and breaking away from conventional beauty standards, the guys seem to get left behind. Guys struggle too. From Abercrombie models to perfume ads and movie actors, guys are faced with unattainable standards of male beauty or rather idealistic masculinity.

Skinny people can struggle with body image.

"Skinny shaming" is real. Just take a search on the Odyssey’s website and you will find more than enough articles about other men and women who feel that their insecurity is discounted because they have one characteristic that's conventionally idolized.

You were born with this body.

Sure, there are lifestyle changes people can make to lose weight or tone up, but you were born with the body type you have. Think of it this way; you grow until you stop - your height is a part of your genetics, and people get that they can’t change that. Body type is the same way; every bit of you has a blueprint for size and layout written in your DNA. That’s not to say people can’t or don’t feel insecure about what they have, but at some point, we should realize that there are certain things we can’t change, and maybe consider learning to love these things.

Most importantly…

You. Are. Beautiful.

You are a unique and wonderful creation. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.