When we decided to talk about body image this month, I figured it would be an easy write up. I would give the whole “body peace” self-love spill and leave you all with a body positive quote. But, contrary to popular belief, I still struggle with my own body image. To an extent, I feel like we all do. Stay with me. Granted, there are some days that I feel cute but when I look at myself in the mirror, I have one of those Issa moments where she’s conversing with her mirror-self. My mirror-self is rude though. She’s always knit picking and criticizing the hell out of me. I find myself arguing with her like where is this coming from sis? The media? Society? The culture?
I then have to step back into reality and remind myself that these notions of beauty change overtime. The ideal body type is not realistically ideal. As we get older our bodies change. It’s important to be kind to ourselves throughout our transitions and not bear the responsibility of keeping up with society’s impractical standards.
But no matter the build of your physique, we can all agree that it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to preserve the bodies we do have. That should be the ultimate responsibility we should hold to our bodies.
As we take this month to recognize body image, I will leave you with a thought that you are fearfully and wonderfully made! The creator who made, the sun, the moon, the stars, and the galaxies thought of you as his most beautiful creation. He made you in his divine image.
“The creator who made the sun, the moon, the starts, and the galaxies thought of you as his most beautiful creation."
know that this post won’t be the panacea to overcome years of body insecurities, but I hope it starts a journey of acceptance and unconditional love for yourselves. And what better way to begin this journey than with a bold declaration!
Since we are a part of an honest and safe community, I would like to pose a challenge for everyone to post one feature you love about your body for the next 7 days. If you find it hard to find 7 beautiful things you love about your body, then choose what you dislike but will decide to love and embrace! Tag @justbeteaco to be featured on their Instagram story.
This may seem like a stretch but think about how easy it is for us to address the things we don’t like about ourselves versus what we do. Let’s use this as a way to celebrate our individualities and encourage others.
I have also curated a playlist on Apple Music for you to dance naked in the mirror so enjoy!