The cultural conversation about body positivity is changing thanks to some amazing women, but we still have a long way to go until we can truly celebrate bodies of all sizes, colours and any imperfections.
Body positivity movement
Not too long ago, it was common practice for us to scroll down on social media or watch TV and see nothing but slim, socially acceptable bodies staring up at us. Advertising outfits and make-up products, having successful jobs and relationships and being able to generally exist within society with all the privileges that being slim can afford.
What we’ve seen over the last five years, is a huge shift in how bodies are being represented in the media and in society. The body positivity movement started out in 2012, as a hashtag used by those within the fat acceptance movement.
The movement also aims to challenge beauty standards, build positive body image, and improve self-confidence. A central belief advocated is that beauty is a construct of society and that this construct should not determine one's confidence or self-worth.
Body positivity is about viewing our bodies as something that is not only perfectly acceptable but entirely wonderful. In a world where the overriding mentality is that we should be ashamed of our bodies (particularly if our bodies are fat, scarred, or in some other way ‘abnormal’), this is an overwhelmingly powerful message.
Creating a safe space for everyone
The body positivity movement still has a long way to go. Until we get to a place where plus-size people of all sizes and ethnicities can once again see the movement as a safe space for us to celebrate our bodies and live peacefully without the disrespect, trolling and unkindness of others.
So, how do we change this? One great thing that can help the movement along is allyship. People who part of the body positivity movement by using their platforms and voices to uplift, retweet and reblog the thoughts, opinions and perspectives of voices who would otherwise not be heard. With their help, we can deconstruct the dangerous and harmful narratives about weight created by the media and diet industry.
But change is slowly happening, and people of power are stepping up. The movement just needs more support and accountability across the board, if it can ever get to a place where all bodies are treated as equal.
Loving yourself is the greatest revolution!
Many of us struggle with becoming body-positive. We collected 5 tips for you that you should keep in mind when practicing self-care.
1. Get rid of your scale
Weighing yourself can become an obsession. The scale can have power over your happiness and self-worth. The number on the scale does not define your worth, it simply tells you your relationship with the gravity of the earth.
2. If you wouldn’t say it to your friends, don’t say it to yourself
When you find yourself being critical of your body, ask yourself, “Would I say this to a friend?”, the answer will most likely be “No”. Treat your body like your best friend!
3. Learn to accept a compliment
By not being able to accept a compliment, you are putting yourself down. Avoid responding to a compliment with “Thank you, but…”. Simply showing your gratitude by responding with just a “Thank you” is enough.
4. Don’t compare yourself to others, or your younger self
Everybody is different, and our bodies change significantly as we grow older. It is normal and healthy to not look like what we looked like 4-5 years ago. It is important to be happy and healthy in the bodies we have now. Comparing yourself to others, or even yourself, does nothing for you, so just be(you)tiful!
5. Donate your clothing that doesn’t fit and buy clothing you feel great in
Experts found that we spend approximately 16 mins on a weekday deciding what to wear. Imagine how much longer this time could be trying to pick out clothing that no longer fits. Instead of torturing ourselves with thoughts that we no longer fit into our favourite pair of jeans, donate them! Buy clothes that make you feel great in.
Treat yourself, or gift it to someone for Valentine's Day. On this day, we celebrate self-love and body positivity. Shop our self-love collection. 💗
