This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at OR State chapter.
If you’ve been checking out new shows at all this summer, then you’ve probably seen Whitney Thore of My Big Fat Fabulous Life on your TV screen. She’s a big personality (no pun intended) and is known not only for her Body Positivity Campaign, No Body Shame, and raising awareness about her condition, polycystic ovary syndrome, but also for her dance video that started it all. Most recently, she delivered a perfect response to Youtuber Nicole Arbour’s video suggesting that fat shaming does not exist. If you’re still on your way to accepting your body, or just want to feel even better than you already do, then here are a couple tips she can teach you, no matter your size, bumps, or scars.
1. You are so much more than just your body.
Whether you’re an introvert who loves anime or an extrovert who loves to go out with friends, there are so many more traits that make up who you are that have nothing to do with your body. Whether you like your body or not, know that it is only one aspect of your sense of self.
2. Respect yourself and those around you above all else.
Respect is important. Whether you’re a size 2 or 2X, there is no need to hate on body types that aren’t your own. There is no perfect body: there are just many individuals with many different bodies, health struggles, diets, and exercise levels that you don’t know about.
3. Wear what you want.
If it makes you feel comfortable and confident, then wear the bikini, crop top, or skinny jeans. Know your size and what you like and go from there. It doesn’t matter if you have scars or stretch marks, those are simply part of experiencing life and changing as an individual.
4. Lean on family members and friends for support.
For Whitney it helps her to rip up comments from her internet haters, talk through them with her best friends over a glass of wine, and to talk about her health issues with her parents over dinner. For you it may be going to a concert with your sister or getting a manicure with your best friend.
5. Find what makes you happy.