Being a woman in today's society is difficult. Between keeping up with the latest fads, struggling to reach unrealistic body goals, and having the media focused on people like the Kardashians who are famous for their bodies is self-detrimental. Young adolescent girls are caking on makeup, older women are expected to not have a single wrinkle, and women in their 20s are supposed to be "slim-thick." Growing up, we are conditioned to idolize unrealistic body images. We see photoshopped bodies where every stretch mark is blurred and cellulite dimple is smoothed out. So, obviously we are going to aspire to look like the images we see before us; the ones that are standing high and tall above us in flashing lights. The ones with girls who are flaunting their mid-drifts and long legs in a crop top and heels. And the ones where the really tan, skinny, 5'11'' models walk down the Victoria's Secret runway. Why is it that if your waist exceeds a certain number or your jean size approaches the—dare I say—number 12, you are deemed plus size? Why does size determine anything? A size eight woman can walk down the runway in a bra and underwear and rock it just as much as the girl who is a size zero. And yes, both will look equally beautiful in their own unique way!
These past two years, however, have definitely taken a turn for the better in the fashion industry. Plus size models such as Ashley Graham and Iskra Lawrence have taken the industry by storm and this is just the beginning. Graham is "breaking the internet" with her full-figured physic being the first "plus-sized model" to grace the cover of the famous Sports Illustrated Magazine. Not only did the magazine release this cover, they released two others in order to represent all body types. The other two magazines featured girls with athletic builds and more lean, lanky builds. Iskra Lawrence partnered with Aerie to promote their "No Retouching" campaign, in which the clothing company basically just portrays real women in their shoots. That means stretch marks, cellulite, and stomach lines! All things that make us girls real.
What I'm trying to say is that we need to start accepting one another. However, self-acceptance starts at home. Start accepting yourself and if you aren't the healthiest, start choosing healthier lifestyle options and do it because you want to. Do not let anyone ever tell you that your size will determine whether or not you will be successful in something. You are beautiful no matter if you are a size zero or a size 12. Be true to yourself and don't ever let anyone else's opinions get to you because they are not you.
