The majority of people dislike something about their body, whether it is cellulite or freckles. In the social media age we live in, media has altered our perceptions of body types. Media has made it possible for people to see normal bodies as ugly. It doesn’t matter if you are tall, short or big. Media picks apart the bodies of women as if it were on display in the Louvre. This ideal body type is displayed in magazines, TV programs, and on billboards.
My weight has been the source of some criticism. I went from being “skinny” to gaining a healthy amount of weight. I didn’t look like the girls on television. I had a body type that was underrepresented. I felt self-conscious because there was no one in the media who looked like me. I suppose “thin” was in, and I seemed to have missed the memo. I thought no one would notice that I was larger than other girls in my class and on my sports teams. But they did. They kept reminding me of how different I am.
Girls are taught at a young, unrealistic age to strive for unattainable beauty standards. Women can be affected to the point where they develop eating disorders or body dysmorphia.
My weight has been the source of some criticism. I went from being “skinny” to gaining a healthy amount of weight. I didn’t look like the girls on television. I had a body type that was underrepresented. I felt self-conscious because there was no one in the media who looked like me. I suppose “thin” was in, and I seemed to have missed the memo. I thought no one would notice that I was larger than other girls in my class and on my sports teams. But they did. They kept reminding me of how different I am.
You can also gain self-confidence. It took me a while, but I did it. I learned to love my skin. You cannot make yourself love your body or yourself. Nobody can make me believe that I’m not beautiful because I don’t look like women in the media. Beauty isn’t defined by a number on a weighing scale or by loose skin. Beauty is determined by the way you carry yourself.
Here are some techniques that you can use to boost your confidence:
- Blocked out all negative thoughts. You will begin to feel bad about yourself if you start to have negative thoughts. Focus your energy on the things that are important. Try yoga or meditation. Try to do something that will lift your spirits.
- Surround yourself with accepting and loving individuals. Most hurtful words are spoken by those closest to us. Do not let someone who is always putting you down around. You need to be around people who want to lift you up, not bring you down.
- Listen to inspirational individuals. Social media can be a wonderful way to make new friends, but it can also damage your self-esteem. There are many Ted Talks on YouTube about body positivity. Here are some:
- Plus size? More like My Size https://youtu.be/xAgawjzimjc
- Body positivity or obsession with the body? https://youtu.be/uDowwh0EU4w
- We’ll Unpack our Fear of Fat
Here are a few of the things that have helped me. Each person’s path to confidence is unique. Media has defined beauty standards for too long. It’s time to set our own standards of beauty. Being yourself is enough. Our differences in appearance are what make us beautiful. Be you by being different.
Keep your positive attitude and be true to yourself.
