On Body Image and Self Confidence: PSA for Women of All Ages

I’ve always struggled with my weight. Nothing serious, but enough that I try to be mindful of my eating habits and (on occasion) try to workout (which fails, every single time).

I’m big boned.

And PROUD OF IT!

I hate that today’s society tells girls that only a size 2 is acceptable for them to be ‘pretty’ or ‘average weight’. Umm, no. Marilyn Monroe was considered sexy in her time, and she definitely wasn’t a size 2. She was normal, and I often dream of what life would be like to have lived in that era. In the 1950’s, the hourglass pinup shape was sexy and appealing. But in society today, it’s not. I personally think she looked gorgeous.

When Meghan Trainor’s song came out, I instantly fell in love. It portrays that bigger girls ARE pretty and should be proud of it! There definitely is more to hold, and I’m not ashamed of that. I have an ass, it’s true. Most guys don’t complain about it ;).

My new mantra, for real. 

Big girls are beautiful, too. And I will forever tell them as much. My future daughter(s), nieces, granddaughters, friends’ daughters … it doesn’t matter who they are, but I refuse to allow them to feel bad about their bodies just because they’re not stick-figure thin or can’t fit into a pair of size 0 jeans. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Love your body for what it is. It’s how God made you and intended you to be.

A big part of beauty is confidence. If you carry yourself confidently, it shows. It’s attractive. But with today’s society telling us that only skinny girls with perfect hair and nails are beautiful, sometimes that can be hard. Some days, it’s hard to look myself in the mirror and truly accept and be happy with the reflection looking back at me. Some days, I’d rather crawl back into bed and curl up under my blankets so that I don’t have to go out in public at all and no one has to look at me. But then I remind myself that I’m made the way I am for a reason, flaws and all. And there are people out there that think I’m beautiful. I think I’m beautiful. There have been certain instances recently that complete strangers and new/old friends have commented on something they think looks good about me, whether it be my hair, my complexion, my nails, my eyes…whatever it may be. It reminds me that I AM beautiful…just the way I am. And Colbie Caillat’s song sums it all up.

Society and Hollywood may tell us one thing, but at the end of the day, it’s just you. Do you like you? You don’t have to try so hard, it’s true. We all have flaws, and most of the time, I’m the only one that notices mine. I can walk around and be self conscious about my red face and my struggle with rosacea, that my hair is looking a little oily today, that my eyeliner is smudged, that my teeth aren’t perfectly straight or white, that my clothes cling to my curves and show off my fat rolls, or that I have thick legs and arms. But in all honesty? I love it all. I’ve learned to love my body and all of my flaws, most days. I’m not saying I’m perfect. I definitely have low self-esteem some days, but I constantly remind myself that I am beautiful, and that there are people out there that appreciate it. Life is too short to be constantly worried about what others are thinking about me. It’s none of my business what they think of me! My family loves me just the way I am, and I’m sure going to end up with a guy that does as well.

Do you like you?