"You are beautiful, I love you", is such a simple construction of words that hold so much depth yet is so hard to say genuinely to ourselves. I am one of many people who have struggled with the acceptance of body imagery because of the seemingly never-ending standards that society falsely accuses us of not living up to. The media surrounding us promotes photo shopped bodies that sport vertical lines indented on toned torsos and airbrushed complexions. They have the nerve to claim that as what true beauty looks like and declare that women and men should strive to look like these two-dimensional figures. These physical expectations placed on how we should look and act in the most inhumane ways damages our perception of not only ourselves, but as we view beauty as a whole as well. Perfection is nonexistent and that is something that needs to be recognized.
The Body Positivity Movement is an essential component in bringing an end to the belief that both women and men are not good enough the way they were created that has been held for so long. The purpose of this movement is not to enforce the idea that one specific body type is superior to another's or to promote unhealthy eating habits, it is quite the opposite. It is to enforce the obvious fact that everyone is unique based on shape, size, and color. Its purpose is to allow us to become aware that our flaws are not things we should be embarrassed about but are components that make up who we are as human beings and emanate our individuality. It is to better our mental state by the recognition of the importance of our physical one.
We go through years and years of education, but when will we learn to love ourselves? It is not something that human beings should have to be taught. Our bodies deserve our outmost love and respect. They deserve to be focused on, to be cared for. Be kind, gentle, and forgiving. Drink tons of water, take a walk, and please remember to breathe deeply. It is so important to nourish the bodies we were given not only with the proper nutrients they need, but the love that fuels us to be better to ourselves. Always love. Love, love, love yourself. Love the freckles on your shoulders, the dimples placed on your lower back, the way your thighs kiss tenderly, the marks that tell your history, and the smile that radiates the happiness you deserve. Your soul resides in this sacred temple you call your body, keep that in mind and embrace it.
