As a young adults, it is inevitable for us to experience insecurity. Our transition into adulthood is something which is seemingly defined by never ending changes: new schools, new jobs, and even new passions. While change can be exciting, it does have consequences. A growing phenomenon which has indulged itself in the more problematic side of change is body shaming. Body shaming is a term used to describe the routine scrutiny of a person's body. Its an epidemic that preaches a one-dimensional view of perfection, and encourages people to change the way they look to meet societal-norms. The inappropriate commentary has shown to dramatically influence a person's mental health, and body image. Quite frankly body shaming was only the tip-off, in fact, society's overemphasis on perfection had sent us into a downward spiral far long ago.
In all honesty, I didn't understand the extent of this issue until I came to college. Being surrounded by girls with similar self-doubts as my own made me feel like my own insecurities were being echoed in real life. It was an inescapable torment. Hearing, "I got so fat" or "this squeezes my fat too much" on a regular basis was infuriating...which is why I needed to remind myself why body-shaming was not going to solve my insecurity problem.
You 'Talk-the-Talk,' But Can You 'Walk-the-Walk?'
The more I heard and saw self-ridicule, the easier I found it to find flaws of my own. I tried my hardest to empower the people around me, but how was I justified in telling others to love themselves when I couldn't? Appreciating ourselves is the easiest way to prompt positive change. Take that into consideration next time you give someone a compliment, or even look in the mirror.
It is not something that will happen overnight.
I wish I could say that being able to love every part of yourself is an easy thing to do, but unfortunately it's not. There will be days when you hate the way you look, and you will want to fall back into a slump of self-loathing. Trust the process, and just remind yourself of why you changed your mindset in the first place.
Your opinion is most important.
Part of the reason we are consumed by unrealistic beauty standards is because we put so much value on what others say. First of all, be confident! Separating your values from the opinions of others may seem like a daunting task, but it's well worth it. And most importantly, it will rid you of any unnecessary worries you may have about yourself!
Do what is right for you.
If the way you look seems to be taking a significant toll on the way you live your life then be proactive. Change does not need to be extreme for it to make a difference. Whether it be eating a healthier diet or going to the gym an extra day during the week, minor changes like these could totally change your demeanor! Try and do whatever you can to make sure you are happy!
