Historically, the view of society was that of non-inclusivity or non-acceptance of human beings due to several factors such as ability, size, gender, race, and appearance. While the world has advanced, not much has changed with stereotyped expectations of femininity and masculinity. The challenges presented are quite evident as there is rare acceptance of human beings: as people are made fun of and prejudiced for looking a certain, natural, way.
Expressing humiliation about another individual's body shape or size, can lead to severe emotional trauma, especially at a young age. The most bizarre part is that people do it unknowingly, without realizing that their act is causing mental disorders. To make matters worse, there are slimming centres, whitening creams which are in popular demand by both men and women. These services support the idea of a “perfect” body which doesn’t cease to exist.
The body positivity movement generated empowerment and popularized men and women who were overweight and fought against the pre-determined stereotypes of society’s view on the “ideal” physical body described as fair and slim. Yet, in the present, we still see glimpses here and there regarding low self-esteem, confidence, and acceptance from people towards their unique physical traits.
“People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder.” – Salma Hayek.
In a society, where your confidence, self-love and inclusivity are quite often challenged, it is hard to break the false perceptions of “a perfect, ideal body”. This, stereotypical thinking in an advanced world, provokes deeper concerns of being unloved and unwanted. Such instances can break a person’s rational thinking, sending them into a whole new world of depression, anxiety, dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem. This is the story of millions of people around the globe, and it’s time to let it go.
The irrational thinking that goes on within one’s mind, hearing a constant echo of “I am not good enough”, is not the real truth, but just the perceived truth. In the same way that we learn to think badly about our true self, we can learn to respect ourselves, love ourselves and be perfectly imperfect.
Body positivity, and self-esteem, doesn't come overnight, or from the outside. It is the inner peace that that only you can discover by challenging the unimportant, and stereotypical ways in which society and the media present their opinions on the “perfect body”.
Challenge the stereotypical views
You and only you can fight this battle, destroy the negative beliefs, and reclaim the power of self-love and acceptance above the society’s and media’s comments.
Connect to people who promote body positivity
These people can help build up acceptance about one’s body image. Self-love and self-acceptance are also very important. For a person to be positive about their body image, accepting themselves is very important.
Create realistic goals of a body that suits you
Everyone should have their own notion and idea of their ideal body image, that suits them well. A positive body does not only mean to attain a desirable figure but also to be healthy. Don’t compare yourself to others as everyone is unique in their own way, be it their physical appearance or as a person.
After all, differences in humans are what makes life, interesting, diverse, and inclusive. Creating a standard formula for how a body is supposed to look like goes against the law of eternal creation and dooms the melting pot of culture that exists within this world.
Imagine, each and every male and female looking alike, talking the same things, and having the same physical features. The world would be just dull. So, make sure to cherish these differences, love yourself and celebrate your perfect imperfections.
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