Embracing Body Positivity: Overcoming Body Shaming and Fostering Self-Love
In today’s society, body shaming and the negative impact it can have on individuals’ self-esteem and body image are pressing issues. This article aims to shed light on various aspects of body shaming, from fat shaming to skinny shaming, while emphasizing the importance of body positivity, acceptance, and fostering a healthy body image. Let’s delve into these topics and explore ways to promote empowerment and self-confidence.
While it’s a blessing that we have finally started accepting that some people are simply larger than others (and that doesn’t make them any less than anyone else), body-shaming is something that still exists and unfortunately seems to be embedded in our society irrespective of caste, creed, sex, or religion. From our parents to friends and relatives and even strangers at times, there will always be some people who disguise their out-and-out rude questions about your weight under the cloak of so-called `concern’.
IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT YOU
Some people are just plain mean and insensitive. They can’t resist commenting on your body size, and that’s something that you need to deal with. No matter what happens or what you do, they will pass statements. Maybe the `fat’ comment is more about their own insecurities than yours, and it is up to you to not let it distress you negatively.
ONLY YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW YOU FEEL
You can either choose to go depressed each time someone body-shames you, or you can learn to deal with it and respond positively. Learn to shield yourself, and be proud of the way your body is. As long as you are happy from inside, you have nothing to be ashamed of.
YOUR WORTHINESS DOESN’T DEPEND ON SOMEONE’S COMPLIMENTS
Praiseworthiness and body weight aren’t really friends. They are two different things, and you need to learn that just because people don’t think you look good, it has nothing to do with how superior you are as a person. Yes, maybe you can’t pitch the LBD as well as most people, but you are amazing nonetheless.
ANGER IS A VALID RESPONSE
It is wholly okay to feel insanely annoyed when people body-shame you. It could be your own spouse or even your parents who made a comment about your weight, and you can get angry and lash out. No, it doesn’t make you oversensitive, touchy, or dramatic. People commenting on your weight are simply not acceptable.
FAT AND UNHEALTHY ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS
You could be very podgy and still be the healthiest person in the room. Most people don’t get this and just tend to push you towards weight loss simply because they want you to be healthy as per their outlook. You should know and explain to others that you can be bigger and healthier at the same time.
Shyaway.com is the best supporter and shouts “Feel Beauty From Inside”. Through our different socially ignited campaigns, we stand for those strong women out there who can sturdily say, “Yes, I am what I am.”
Going from a skinny body to a plus-size frame in a matter of seven years, I’ve had my share of shaming. While I was depressed at first, refusing to go out and expose my `fat body’ to the world, I’ve since learned to be at peace with myself. I’ve learned to love my body, clap back at the insensitive questions, and find a style that complements my frame. However, that journey didn’t come easy either. Over the years, here are some things that I’ve learned from being body-shamed that perhaps someone else will find their answers to too.
Yes, maybe you can’t pitch the LBD as well as most people, but you are amazing nonetheless.