Melissa McCarthy, funny lady on screen as well as off-screen, is a smart, inspiring celebrity. This confident “big-girl” of the silver screen says that she’s never felt the need to change … and always thought that if her husband wanted somebody different, he should pick someone else. Wow! Amazing!
We are constantly bombarded by the media’s definition of “beautiful”. For women it’s slender, flat –bellied and leggy – while still having that hour-glass shape. For men, it’s sculptured arms, broad shoulders and chiselled abs – with a perfect v-shaped torso. Very often, the way we “should” look warps our priorities.
Megan Trainor’s “All about that Bass” isn’t your typical pop song. This catchy tune with lyrics like “Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top”, is intended as a celebration of woman of all shapes. Recent studies have shown that women are desperate to stop feeling self-conscious about their bodies.
Body positivism is not only about not hating your body, but actively trying to like it. It’s about using your mental energy for something more useful than worrying about the size of your hips. It’s about seeing your body as beautiful … valuable. Mmm … it may sound like an impossible Utopia, but it is achievable.
One list can’t automatically tell you how to turn negative body thoughts into a positive body image, but can introduce you to healthier ways of looking at yourself and your body. The more you practise these new thoughts and patterns, the better you will feel about who you are and the body you naturally have.
Here are some things to help you appreciate all that is … you (yes you!)
• Reframe your thinking. Focus on health and fitness, rather than aesthetics.
• Appreciate all that your body can do – running, dancing, breathing, dreaming. Amazing!
• Be kind to yourself. Choose self-care. Set time aside every day for yourself. Listen to music or simply enjoy the sunset.
• See the whole person. Choose not to focus on specific body parts.
• Stop talking about your negative points. Knock it off. You’re hurting the one you love - you.
• Keep a gratitude journal. Have you inventoried the richness of your life assets? Try it. Keep a top-ten list of things that you like about yourself – things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Recognize the parts of yourself that you love (ahem, all of them!) Contemplating this can bring you deep serenity.
• Make a list of people you admire. People that make a difference. Are they all supermodels? (I bet they’re not) Likely your list will be chock full of smart, creative, funny and confident people. And hey, aren’t you a couple of those things yourself?
• Think of yourself as a role model. Do you think that people are watching you? You’re right! Be an inspiration.
• Ooze confidence, even if you don’t feel it. Studies show that smiling and projecting a positive vibe (even if you fake it) can affect your brain chemistry over time, and may even boost your mood in the moment.
• Cut out triggering media. Instagram accounts of impossibly pretty girls you’re constantly comparing yourself to? Unfollow. Same goes for Tumblr blogs, magazines or anything that creates body negativity.
• Accept yourself where you are now. Recognize that beauty, health and strength, come in all shapes and sizes. Search out fashion bloggers who have diverse bodies. They are amazing, and so are you!
• Dress for success. A fit, healthy body is the best fashion statement. Forget about the latest trends. Stick to your personal style to boost your confidence.
• Surround yourself with positive people. It’s easier to feel good about yourself when you are surrounded by supportive people.
• Learn more! Think of things that you love, maybe take a class. This will boost your confidence and faith in yourself.
• Do for others. Get involved in volunteer work.
“There’s nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty” – Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience.
Source: www.shape.com, www.johnriviello.com, experiencelife.com, growinghumankindness.com, www.theolivefox.co.uk, www.healthyweightnetwork.com, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org, www.bustle.com, allwomanstalk.com, www.gurl.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
