Beyond Body Image

How we perceive ourselves, and our bodies, is completely subjective. We may look at ourselves and think,

"Wow, I need a new haircut and new glasses,"

while someone else is looking at us thinking,

"Wow, I love their look!"

After some time, I realized that everybody experiences poor body image at moments, even those that I looked up to most or thought were perfectly happy.

Likewise, there are always going to be people who look up to you, or me, and think that we are as flawless as they come (regardless of our insecurities). This supports how we perceive our bodies is, in fact, subjective to who you are asking.

For some, body positivity just seems too hard, or too much to ask for. After spending multiple times per day, everyday, picking and choosing what we like and don't like about our bodies, body positivity can feel like a hoax. However, we can look to spend more time learning to respect our bodies at a bare minimum.

What did respecting my body look like? Ensuring I ate 3 meals per day even if I wasn't super hungry. Getting good sleep to relax and revive my mind and body even when I didn't feel tired. Attempting strength training, yoga, and other low-moderate intense activities even when I felt unmotivated. Allowing myself to dislike something about my body, yet still respecting myself as though I loved it.

This process wasn't easy; yet, it wasn't long until respecting my body became a habit. Like second nature, I ensured that I was obtaining enough energy & food, enough sleep and relaxation, and enough movement and activity. This made me feel more body positive than I had in a long time.

With this being said, if you're looking to work towards body positivity, but it just feels too far away and unreachable, start with respecting your body and its basic needs. Remember, everyday our bodies spend 24 hours working for us. It deserves the resources and care that it requires to help us reach our goals.