Individuals throughout society are increasing their knowledge about the impact that advertisements produced by the beauty industry have on body image issues. Many companies, also aware of this, are diligently working to expand their image by diversifying their models and implementing more body positivity campaigns. As a result, society is finally seeing advertisements that include women over a size 6. In rare cases models like Ashley Graham, size 14, are making great careers working for various companies as plus size women. However, with all the progress, there is still so much room to grow.

Unfortunately, if individuals continue to rely solely on the beauty industry to correct the impact of negative body image, they may be waiting a lifetime. This radical change starts with us, not them.

As someone who has struggled with weight for years, I understand the brutal and sometimes relentless pressure young people put on themselves to be "Instagram ready" at all times. Often we scroll through social media only to feel undeniably out of place in a world that has no time for double chins, love handles, or thunder thighs. For years people, myself included, repeat the cycle of negative body image when we continue to look at these photoshopped plastic people and believe that is what the world looks like.

However, I recently found extreme comfort when I decided to change what my eyes took in through social media. After seeing girl after girl that looked nothing like me, I went hunting on Instagram for women that looked more like me. What I found was incredible. Scrolling through these images of full-figured women ranging from size 14 – 24, women that society tears apart viscously, I had found peace. These women are strong, empowered, and breathtaking while looking nothing like today’s definition of beauty. They are unapologetically themselves and individuals, like myself, cheer them on as they cheer us on.

What this change gave me was a chance to finally feel normal. Feeling a part of a community that looks like I look, shop where I shop, and dress like I dress gave me a new appreciation for myself. It made me feel beautiful again. These women allowed me to feel empowered no matter my pant size, because confident women come in all shapes and sizes.

Whether you are a man or woman, white or black, tall or short, skinny or fat start following individuals on social media sites that look like you. Seeing people that reflect what’s in your mirror allows you to decide how you feel about yourself, instead of the beauty industry.