Negative self-self. Body shaming. Self-consciousness. We’ve all struggled with it at one time or another.
For me, it’s been a constant struggle since I can remember. I always found something to dislike about myself or someone to compare myself to.
When I was 8, I wished I didn’t have glasses like all the pretty girls. Ten years old I wished my hair was shiny like everyone else’s. Thirteen I wished I was skinny like all my other friends. Fourteen I wished I was smart.
I watched my best friend cry before going to a party because she hated the way she looked and wanted to wear crop tops like all of our other friends. She watched me cry in the bathroom because some boy said I was fat. I’ve seen random girls on campus obsess over someone else’s Instagram wishing they could look like them or have their life.
THIS NEEDS TO STOP.
First of all, we all need to learn some respect. It’s so hurtful and disrespectful to make a negative comment about someone else's looks or weight. You wouldn’t want someone to do that to you, so why do it to another person? Realize that everyone is hard on themselves, and no one needs a random to make them feel bad about themselves. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and it’s important for that to be emphasized on a daily basis.
Second, we need to stop comparing ourselves to others. The fact of the matter is you’re never going to be just like that girl you stalk on Instagram. You’re never going to have her hair, nails, body, boyfriend, or life. So stop wishing for it. Learn to obsess over the great things you have in your life, and also understand there’s probably someone obsessing over your Instagram too.
Lastly, love yourself. Stop the negative self-talk. Stop being self-conscious. Go out there and flaunt what you got and own it! Know that you’re beautiful, and you don’t need validation from anyone else besides you.
Knowing that others struggle with body image in the same way you do, compliment and support one another, and always stand up for those who are being put down. It’s a woman’s world out there, and we all need to stick together and spread the love.
If you don’t like something about yourself, change it. If you can’t change it, learn to love it.
