I’ve gone back and forth about this “body image” post for a while. I haven’t written a ton lately, partly I think, because this is what has been on my heart, but I’ve been nervous to share about it.
Ever since the romper post and reading all the comments, it’s really been weighing on me, though. Hearing the way we break down our bodies and decide what categories they fall into. And what we think we can and cannot wear because of this issue or that issue makes me sad. Don’t get me wrong, I completely agree with dressing for our bodies and wearing what make YOU feel best, but these comments reminded me how hard we really can be on ourselves. We aren’t being fair to us!
This is always a topic, right? Someone is always talking about it, posting about it, taking a stand about it. Why? Because as females it’s almost always on our minds.
Maybe it’s not in the forefront all the time, maybe it’s quietly lurking in the back of our consciousness. Or maybe for you it is. Maybe every time you look in the mirror that voice starts to speak to you and starts to slowly pick apart what’s in front of you. (Or maybe you never ever feel this way and have it all figured out, in that case please do share!)
For me, I think it comes in waves. Sometimes I feel awesome, and love catching little glimpses in the mirror because, “Hey, today I look hot!” And other days I avoid mirrors altogether. What is it that makes those differences? Do I really look THAT much different from day to day. Does anyone else really even notice that bloat or that dimple I saw this morning?
When I sit down and really think about it, that difference completely comes from the inside. It could be the amount of sleep we got last night, or the hormones flooding through our system for whatever reason.
Lately, I’ve been trying to give myself a break in this area. And not continue the cycle of beating myself up about the fact that I’m beating myself up. I’m rejoicing in the times I feel like a Victoria’s Secret model and allowing myself to feel a little troll-ish sometimes. And instead of beating myself up about it, I’m just trying to retrain my focus.
Take the picture in this post for example, when I look at it it’s so easy for my eyes and my mind to start picking things apart. But instead, I’m stopping myself and trying to focus on how happy and carefree I look. That thought is definitely so much more freeing than all the others.
This photo is actually from a boudoir type photo shoot I did last year with a few friends. (Thank you Erika, for the gorgeous pics!) I was TERRIFIED going into it. But as the day (and mimosas) went on, I felt stronger and more beautiful by the minute.
I really would encourage all of you to do this at some point. It was scary, but worth it.
Ladies, let’s work on loving our bodies. You are enough. You are strong. You are beautiful. Now, let’s own it.
