Let's Talk About Body Ornamentation
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Let's Talk About Body Ornamentation

To be completely comfortable with your self-expression, you must first stop judging others.

207
Let's Talk About Body Ornamentation
tattoofilter

For thousands of years, humans have had the powerful desire to express themselves through body ornamentation. This expression of self can manifest through tattoos, body painting, makeup, piercings, jewelry, clothing, hairstyles, and much more. Body ornamentation varies from culture to culture and although it gives individuals the opportunity to display their distinctiveness, it usually conforms to what the general population deems socially acceptable. Everyone has their own opinions and aesthetics, but it has become all too common to judge others because they choose to express themselves a little more vibrantly and loudly than society’s standards.

What we all need to get through our thick skulls is that it is none of our business what others choose to do with their bodies. We can only decide what to do with our own. Perhaps you have decided that someone you know wears too much makeup or has too many tattoos and it really bothers you. Why? Most likely, this person does not wear makeup or obtain permanent body art for your benefit or anyone else’s. They made these choices of self-expression because it genuinely makes them feel beautiful and good about themselves. It is not our place to suggest people are choosing to express themselves incorrectly or that their idea of beauty is wrong.

We live in a society fueled by capricious fads and a never-ending cycle of social comparison. We become aware of trends and try to fit in by adjusting our style through self-enhancement. First, we compare ourselves to others because whether we realize it or not, it is all a competition. Next, we either decide that our looks and behavior are superior, leading to high self-esteem, or we feel like garbage in contrast. If the latter occurs, we assess ourselves, make changes, and compare ourselves again to boost our low self-esteems. If the former ensues, it doesn’t matter that you momentarily felt grandiose because you will be critiquing yourself again really soon. A lot of people do not consciously realize that this cycle exists. Constant comparison is extremely exhausting and horrible for everyone, but it is a habitual action you can overcome with hard work and the avoidance of self-judgment.

During my first year of college, I read an interview online featuring my role model, Shailene Woodley. She brought my attention to the vicious cycle of social comparison and the importance of being kind to yourself. Her words made a lasting impact on me and influenced my decision to make personal lifestyle changes. One of the changes was to stop wearing makeup, aside from the eye area, and I have not for about five years. When I had constantly compared myself to others, wearing makeup felt like an obligation to be beautiful and I was generally unhappy with my appearance. I decided I did not want to participate in the constant judgment of others or myself. My choice was not based on brevity or because I was in opposition to people who made makeup part of their daily routine. To be honest, my skin is extremely sensitive and my face feels and looks a million times better without it. I would also rather sleep the extra 10 minutes and save my money for a good book instead of cosmetics. My bare face makes me feel good about myself and I have been immensely happier since I stopped caring what others think.

To be completely comfortable with your self-expression, you must first stop judging others. Remind yourself that the way others choose to adorn themselves is of no concern to you. Acknowledge your opinions about their body ornamentation, but try to keep negativity out of your thoughts. You will begin to judge others less frequently and finally be able to focus on what makes you feel good. Once you have stopped comparing yourself to others, you will realize that your new mindset does not only apply to your appearance, but it will percolate into other aspects of your life. For example, you might stop caring how your dancing is perceived in public because you no longer compare or give attention to how others dance. The things that make you most self-conscious will begin to fade away.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

17154
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

946157
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

122884
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments