How I Finally Accepted my Body
In my previous post I discussed my personal experience with body image growing up and today, I am going to dive into factors that helped me achieve a RECONCILIATION with my body.
I came across an academic research by Yang Hu discussing how numerous scholars are evaluating the influence of mass media, social media in redefining beauty standards for females.
This particular study focused on how females disseminate their body image on Instagram, how viewers respond to these images and how they influence the viewer’s self-perceptions and behavior.
The way we feel in our bodies and the perception of the way we look can play a big role in how confident we can show up in our lives. This plays a role in defining the extent to which we might become judgemental of ourselves and others.
Building a healthy and positive relationship with your body does not happen overnight. Through the years, I learned to Respect HONOR & Appreciate my body, by building a positive relationship.
Let me state the obvious, yes I am a pilates instructor and pilates promises that you will get a long lean body just like dancers. I am also a dancer, and after years of training, nothing much changed, my legs didn’t seems longer nor leaner. AND I am totally OKAY with it and here’s why!
- When I started going to pilates classes, some instructors did not fit the normal Pilates body, they were short and curvy just like I am.
- When I decided to do my Pilates teacher training, I was not admitted into the program based on my looks! I was admitted based on academic criteria, and other conditions like taking a certain amount of pilates classes. Also, we get certified only after completing written and practical exams where we PROVE our ABILITY to design a program to specific to a “client” based on their posture. Again, we don’t receive our certs after having our WEIGHTS taken or having our waists MEASURED.
3. I went to dance class and the instructor was wearing shorts and I realized that her visible cellulite didn’t stop her from wearing what she feels comfortable in. I started feeling more comfortable wearing shorts myself and I think it’s the best thing ever!
4. Once in a changing room, I saw a ballerina having cellulite and realized that a lot of women have them, no matter how athletic or thin.
I realized that her visible cellulite didn’t stop her from wearing what she feels comfortable in.
5. When I Catch myself judging others, I try to focus on other aspects of their personality & awesomeness. I started developing this habit after having a conversation with someone where I was criticizing someone else and I felt super small when the person told me that it’s not right to judge someone based on their looks only.
6. I have recently muted and UNfollowed social accounts that make me feel bad about myself and don’t add value to my progress. I only follow accounts that inspire me in a positive way, that don’t objectify & sexualise women’s bodies to sell products.
7. When I find family & friends discussing / judging themselves or others about their appearance, I try to guide them into dismissing these thoughts and I explain the potential impact these thoughts might have on themselves and their kids.
The smart thing to do is to protect YOURSELF. YOU have the power. YOU control every Market. YOU choose what and who is trendy. Unfollow the people who tell you things that hurt your self esteem. Don’t let the debris of their damage spill out onto you. Unfollow people/brands that don’t make you feel powerful and happy and grateful for what you have.
gg
