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Wellness

Body Positivity: Yes, You Can Conquer It… Let’s Do It Together!

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UPRM chapter.

Have you ever questioned what it means to love your body and maintain a healthy relationship with it? I certainly have. It’s been a lifelong struggle, one that continues to evolve. Let me share a personal journey that might sound familiar yet remains significant. I battled being overweight, feared the gym, and struggled with poor nutrition during my high school years. Eventually, I made a change. I lost weight, but it wasn’t necessarily done right. I didn’t know much about weightlifting, and my monotonous diet took a toll on me mentally over time.

For those seeking to transform their appearance, it’s crucial to remember to love yourself throughout the process. This self-acceptance not only aids in the journey to health and wellness but also ensures long-term happiness and vitality. Now, let’s delve into the facts. Loving yourself can take many forms—whether through weightlifting, running, cooking, baking, or simply indulging in self-care. We each have our unique ways of nurturing our bodies.

Body positivity begins by fostering an environment of acceptance. It starts with practical steps, like ensuring your wardrobe includes clothes that fit comfortably and make you feel fabulous. Reject the notion that a number on a scale determines your worth. Your body is your sanctuary, not your adversary. Self-compassion plays a pivotal role here. The way we speak to ourselves matters. I’ve been guilty of negative self-talk, changing outfits repeatedly, and feeling disheartened during my trips to the mall. But would we ever speak to a friend or child in the same critical way that we speak to ourselves? Probably not. Let’s embark on this journey together because I continue to face these challenges just like you. This topic holds great importance for me, as it touches on a universal struggle for self-acceptance and inner peace.

Ultimately, it’s about doing what makes you comfortable and embracing your unique self. You are beautiful, special, and deserving of self-love. Reflecting on my own experiences, I realize that my body is more than just a physical form—it’s a vessel that carries the memories of my beautiful, complicated journey. It is a testament to the battles I’ve fought, the victories I’ve achieved, and what’s left for me to accomplish. Always remember: you have one beautiful life to live and one beautiful body to be in. Treat it as your temple and commit to yourself with the love you deserve.

Here are some things you could do to start the commitment to your body:

  1. Go for a workout that is comfortable for you but keeps you wanting to do more.
  2. Wear that outfit you have always wanted to wear.
  3. Breathe, think, and create. Give yourself the space to be the wonderful you.
  4. Go and connect with nature.
  5. Last but not least, journal your experience or take photos. There is nothing more heartwarming than witnessing how far you have come and being able to see what you have documented for yourself. I am sure your future self will thank you.
Rose is the vibrant Writer at Her Campus at UPR, where she brings a fresh perspective to a variety of topics. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, she’s deeply invested in her studies while keeping her future aspirations in sight. A passionate bookworm, coffee lover, and adventurous foodie, Rose enjoys exploring new culinary delights, savoring her favorite brews, and diving into captivating reads. She stays energized working out which includes strength training, running, and occasionally swimming. Looking ahead, Rose plans to commission in the US Air Force after graduation and hopes to further her studies in exercise science specializing in Women's Health and in sports psychology. With her diverse interests and ambitious goals, Rose infuses her work and daily life with enthusiasm and dedication.