Dear Middle School Self,
The way people are portrayed in the media can be deceiving. It depicts society in a false reality and is confusing due to contradicting ideals. Women are expected to be thin, but have curves, look natural, but always be done up, be conservative, but have a sex appeal. The demands of society through the media are extreme and next to impossible. However, when you are surrounded by it, you look to yourself and truly believe that you should change. When in fact you are not flawed, but the media is. While growing up, you need to remember a few things.
The media is not reality.
Although you look up to size zero models, you need to remind yourself that those goals are unrealistic. What you see is not real. It is their job to portray ideal women and they are Photoshopped to look flawless and perfect. Editing out all blemishes creating an unachievable role model for girls.You look at yourself and think that you need to alter your body to mimic these standards, but you need to focus less on what the media depicts and more on yourself.
You are beautiful.
Be happy with your body. You are unique. You have traits that set you apart from everyone else. I know that is easier said than done, but you need to care less about what others think of you. Especially boys. You are growing up in a society where there will be great pressures from social media. But you need to look at the images you see with a critical eye. You cannot believe everything you see.
It's not the end of the world.
I know it may seem hard, but it's only middle school. I get that you want to fit in, but with time, you'll learn that appearances aren't everything and you'll find your true self.
This age is hard because you want to believe everything that you see. Honestly, you don't know any better. It's sad that you have to grow up in a world where there are unrealistic portrayals of women. You are expected to be so many different things with the idea that by looking a certain way you will be happy, successful, and popular. But all you are really expected to be is your most genuine self. And that is beautiful.
Love,
You
