Body Shaming // Self Confidence Booster

Hi, guys!

I realise I've not done one of these posts in a while, because I've not really done anything to boost my own confidence which may explain why I've been feeling a bit low recently. Especially when it's come to my body image.

I wanted to share this post with you to show that everyone deserves to have endless pride when it comes to their body shape and size. If we didn't maintain this, there would be no body diversity, leaving everyone feeling pressured to look a certain way. 

I'm writing this for small people, medium people, large people. Extra small to extra large. Do not feel the need to conform to one body shape. Do not feel you have to eat excessive amounts to make yourself ill, so you can be curvy. Equally, you do not need to starve yourself to look like a super model. I don't suppose you've heard the quote 'no one can look like the girl in the magazine. Even the girl in the magazine doesn't look like the girl in the magazine'.

There is no correct way to look. Every single human has both their own anatomical structure, and their own story behind their body. It could be as simple as just loving food and being happy, or something much more complex, such as an eating disorder or hereditary issue. Because of this, there is not one particularly correct way to look. People come in all different shapes in sizes because of different factors, as mentioned previously. Why change ourselves, when we can simply maintain our bodies through a healthy lifestyle and being confident, wearing clothes to show off our bodies?

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I try to look after myself. Because I have had issues in the past and I am still, on a day to day basis, being told I need to tone up, or that I am not skinny enough to be in shorts, particularly as Summer progresses. It can be words that are spoken, or just dirty looks. But I need to stop caring, so I don't get ill again.

I'm in adoration for the girls who keep themselves 'in shape' by healthy diets, drinking smoothies and stuff. But I love food way too much! I exercise through my job, walking to places and walking the dog. Soon I will be getting a new bike which I will be using loads. Just so I can tone up, because that is my way of feeling better about myself.

Body shaming is something that exists in our society, and it's about time it stopped. It is the very thing that causes eating disorders and social inequality in terms of beauty. The following are examples of body shaming:

• Giggling at someone slightly larger- whether they are eating, wearing shorts or leggings (ridiculous things the beauty industry put a negative limelight on)
• Aiming rude and derogatory comments at someone with a larger/smaller frame than yourself
• Making snide comments about someone else's lifestyle, healthy or unhealthy
• Making snide comments about someone's progress, whether it be weight loss or weight gain
• Slut shaming and objectifying someone for showing off their body online or in public when it comes to demonstrating weight loss or weight gain
• Using 'anorexic' as an adjective for someone who has a smaller frame
• Using 'clinically obese' as an adjective for someone who has a larger frame

The bottom one is something that has particularly bugged me recently. As a victim of abuse myself, I have always been quite timid in the way I dress and what I share online. I figured that sharing nudity online is highly inappropriate. But I've been wanting to share my achievements in terms of detoxing and healthy living with you guys for a while, without receiving a stream of negativity. 

I myself, have an interest in keeping fit and active. Although I do love energy drinks and pizza way too much, my figure is something I like to keep an eye on and maintain. Because it's what makes me different, and what makes me myself. 

If you have an issue with my body, or anyone else's body, I have a message for you. You probably know nothing about them. Their background, their diet, their efforts to achieve the body they actually desire. Everybody deserves eternal happiness with their appearance and body image. No matter what their shape or dress size is. It is what sets us apart. If you decide to make someone else's life miserable because of the way they present themselves, look, or how they show their own pride for their body, it's evident you need some self love.

Take care, and love yourself xo