My Body Was Never The Problem

I just couldn’t accept myself as I was.  

The same goes to many individuals who spent years hating their own bodies because they look different. 

How could we not feel any less than, when there are ridiculous beauty standards plastered on the front cover of beauty magazines, cosmetic stores, gyms, and boutiques? 

Flawless skin, thin waist, and luscious hair; muscular hot-bod, sharp cheekbones, and chiseled jawline – come on, we’re not Barbie and Ken! 🙄 

I’ll be honest with you: it is easier to hate your own body than to accept and love it as it is. 

But when you work on self-acceptance, you will begin to look at your flaws as something uniquely yours.

It wasn’t an easy road, but I learned to repair my relationship with my body.

And it felt so liberating to accept my body just the way it is.

So, how do we tackle this body image issue?

1)  Learn That We Have Different Definitions Of Beauty 

Your flaws do not make you any less of a woman or man.

I grew up learning that to be beautiful is to have straight teeth. Imagine my surprise when I found out that having a fang-like appearance was actually a trend among Japanese girls! That definitely gave me a confidence boost – I now smile widely and unapologetically.

Unlearning the unrealistic beauty standards that you were fed with all your life does not happen overnight.

For starters, throw away the idea of beauty that was set by the society, media, or marketers. Appreciate someone else’s uniqueness instead of feeling inferior or superior about it.

We all have our differences, and that is okay. Remind yourself that no matter how you look, your body is still worthy.

2) You’re Only Given One Body – Learn To Love It 

Learn to love the only flesh you’ll ever have.

More often than not, we dislike our bodies to a point where we detach ourselves and become focused on fixing the flaws. From extreme dieting to cosmetic surgeries, these are unhealthy methods and not to mention, brutal towards your one and only body.

It’s time to accept our bodies and be comfortable in them, no matter what they look like, and no matter what others comment about it. As Taylor Swift once said in her song: “just shake it off!”

Focus on keeping your body in good condition by eating healthy, getting enough exercise, and dressing it in clothes that make you feel confident. Once you start to feel comfortable in your own body, you’re halfway there!

3) Be Kind To Yourself

If you can’t bring yourself to say awful things to another person, then stop being mean to yourself!

Here’s something fun to do every morning: When you get out of bed, hug yourself or pat your shoulders and say something nice to yourself. Even better, thank it for being safe and well. Your body is one of the main reasons why you’re still standing and getting on your day. Show it some gratitude!

Spending a few minutes appreciating your looks can be a great confidence booster that keeps you in a good mood throughout the day.

4) Stop Comparing Yourself With Others

Repeat after me: This is not a competition!

We’re living in the social media age where we’re too used to comparing ourselves against the lives of those around us. From friends and family to celebrities *cough* the Kardashians *cough*, we are obsessed with having the same body as the ones we follow on Instagram or TikTok. But how sure are we that those images aren’t staged?

To have a positive body image is to stop the comparisons. Let go of the idea that there’s a specific look that every man and woman should have to look beautiful.

Negative body image is a serious problem that not only affects women, but men as well. If left unbothered, it can bring about disastrous effects such as depression, eating disorders, and even self-harm. Don’t lose your genuine self for external beauty.

And hey, when you look in the mirror – tell yourself that you’re beautiful. 😊

Check out these feel-good articles while you’re here! 

• What It Means To Celebrate A Hot Girl Summer – And Why You Should Too 
• This Is Why You Should Stop Giving A F*ck About What People Think 
• The Best College Outfit: What To Wear On Your First Day To Class 
• Move Over, Make Up. Skincare Is Officially The New Thing Now