When I was younger, I would always get upset when shopping for clothes, especially jeans. My mom would turn to me and say, “Erica, you know why all the size 0’s and 4’s are out here? Because normal people don’t wear these. The regular sizes are gone because people buy those. Not these sizes.” It took me forever to realize what she truly meant. At that time my response was a sarcastic eye roll and more pouting but eight years later, I know what she really means. Normal people aren’t a size 2, and I shouldn’t attain to be one. I should look to be happy with myself and be confident because beauty isn’t measured by the size of your clothes.
I believe that body issues are something that bothers everyone regardless of their age, size or weight. Growing up in a world where every week Victoria Secret models grace the television and majority of celebrities are smaller than my pinky, it’s no wonder that only 2% of women consider themselves beautiful. Since October is the month for Beast Cancer Awareness, and Alpha Chi Omega just hosted their annual Frisbee fest to support victims of domestic violence, I think it’s the perfect time to battle body image issues.
I would be lying to you if I said I loved everything about myself. I am sure you have those days when you wake up feeling gross and unhappy with the way you look, just like I do. For some reason nothing seems to be going right, and you just aren’t feeling the beauty that day. But do me a favor: don’t focus on it!! Focus on the days you wake up, and your hair is cooperating just right, your skin is glowing with pride and everything is going great. Those are the days that good things happen. The days that people stop and stare at you as you walk by because you look so darn good.
Sometime’s this is easier said then done, but try and focus on the things you love about yourself instead of the negative. Remember you have an awesome smile, a great personality and that all your little quirks that make you amazing, in your own unique way. The biggest hurdle to jump when facing this is remembering everyone is different. You are your own unique individual. Just because your friend is lucky enough to scarf down McDonalds twice a week and you can’t, don’t be jealous. Remember, she probably has her own image issues.
In order to succeed in ending this inner-battle you must put a stop to the pity party! When getting ready to go out with friends, don’t turn it into a fishing expedition for compliments! It may sound corny but when getting dressed, create a sense of awesome in the room. Tell your friend how great that shirt looks on her and something that it highlights, like her toned arms.You’ll most likely get a compliment in return, and a boost to the awesome-level.
In the end, remember this: Everyone is different and in a world of technology, what you see is not always what you get. Victoria Secret’s models aren’t flawless; it’s impossible to be that pretty all the time. However, if you really are set on changing the way you look, do it in a healthy style. Create a fitness plan that works for you and don’t kill yourself counting calories and spending hours at the gym. That’s not a way to live. You should be focusing on having the time of your life, not the number on the scale. Lastly, and this is the most important thing to remember, every person is beautiful on the inside and that’s what counts the most. Personality and a positive attitude make you beautiful and awesome in more ways than one.
Image Sources: www.FitBottomedGirls.com, www.Glamour.com