Body shaming has been a prevalent issue in society for the past decade or more. It is an issue that needs to continue to be addressed by every one of us in order to create a change. Young girls, and boys, are especially susceptible to the epidemic of comparing their bodies to popular celebrities and peers. They binge, starve, calculate, and over- exercise in efforts to attain that “perfect” body, whatever that might be. The media plays a crucial role in shaping the minds of the youth and feeding them ideas of what they should look like to be seen as beautiful and desirable. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, and basically the entire swarm of Victoria Secret models are just a few examples of the people that teenagers strive to look like. The social media front combined with peer pressure creates a toxic environment that often suppresses individual’s ability to love themselves.

Recently, popular brands have started the revolution to promote more natural and healthy body-images in their advertisements. Dove’s “Real Beauty Campaign” seemed to be on the forefront. Commercials for Dove feature women of all ages, ethnicities, and body types, proving that every woman is beautiful in their own way. Aerie from American Eagle Outfitters have stopped retouching and airbrushing their models in ads for their lingerie. This empowered women across the country to embrace the “all natural look,” wearing less make-up than they had before. Pantene took another approach to their advertising by utilizing the “strong is beautiful” slogan. These efforts of these brands should inspire other companies, media, and society to promote the idea of accepting all body types.

This past summer, my outlook on self-beauty also changed for the better. In August, I was at a bonfire with some friends where my entire face and right arm were burned after someone threw gasoline into the woodpile without warning. The searing pain and the embarrassment that I felt about my appearance following the incident will never be forgotten. For over two weeks, I was covered in boiling red blisters and nasty scabs. I was afraid that my motor skills in my right hand would be impaired, and that I would never look the same again. For over two weeks, I looked absolutely nothing like myself. Fortunately, the human body is a remarkable machine. Healthy eating habits, fitness, rest, and my youth helped me heal as quickly as I did. Today, I am left with a scar on my hand and a few lines on my chin, but the pain and embarrassment I had about my scars are officially gone.

Although these faint marks on my face and the scar on my hand may never go completely away, I am thankful every day for my body and what it did for me this past summer. I have stopped worrying about counting calories and getting my workout in every single day as I had before the incident. I embrace dessert and accept my love of french fries because I know that I am, overall, a healthy individual. The scars on my body serve as a reminder to love the skin I’m in and to continue to work on being my strongest-self, both physically and mentally. I did not share this story for any pity or condolences. Rather, I want all readers to embrace their perceived flaws, their shapes, their curves, and their own scars. Your body is a beautiful, strong, amazing, and unique thing on this earth. Keep company with people who make you your best you. And never, ever, forget to love yourself.