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Is There Something Wrong With My Body?

Definitely Not. How to Learn to Love Yourself

By Luna TealPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Approximately 91 percent of women have a negative body image. That is a staggering number. All the pictures portrayed of the stick-thin models in magazines and on Instagram are unrealistic. In fact, only 5 percent of the women in America actually possess the "ideal" body presented by the media. So what is the ideal body? The ideal body is when you are happy, love your body, and are healthy—not only physically but mentally. How you get there is up to you. If you simply struggle with how you think about your body, work on changing your mindset. If you want to physically change your body, find exercises and a routine that works for you. Finding your ideal is how you find confidence and self-love. Your ideal doesn't have to be looking like a supermodel. Maybe your ideal is finding something you like about your body and focusing on it. Maybe your ideal is showing your body off to build confidence. Maybe your ideal is telling yourself you are beautiful. Whatever your "Ideal" is, once you find it, you should be able to love your body. Loving yourself can do wonders for your mental health because you don't obsess over tiny flaws. If you radiate confidence, other people are attracted to that positive energy.

I know when scrolling through Instagram and I see pictures of gorgeous girls who appear to have perfect bodies, I often feel that I am not good enough because I don't look that way. But the fact is, no matter how much you weigh, how much cellulite or how many scars you have, you have the ideal body. Ideal is how you were made. Ideal is you. Ideal is your confidence, your self-love, your self respect. Ideal is when you aren't ashamed of the body you have because it is perfect the way it is. And if working out every day makes you feel great, then that is your ideal! If sitting with some Doritos watching Netflix is your ideal, then you binge all you want. However, if you are struggling with body image issues, you are not alone. Here are some things that you may find useful to overcome it:

  • Find your "Ideal." It doesn't matter what the outside LOOKS like if it FEELS good. Do what makes you love your own skin. Eat healthy or wear clothes you love. Find an outlet. I even know a girl who came to love her body by painting on her skin with acrylics! Your Ideal is how you find your way of loving yourself. It could be as simple as repeating "I am worth it" to the mirror every morning.
  • Stop comparing. Think about it first: the girls you are looking at on Instagram or in ads have lighting, flexing, poses, FaceTune, Photoshop—anyone can look "perfect" given the right tools. You are beautiful just the way you are. Comparing does nothing to help you and only makes you obsess over flaws. Things that you really dislike about yourself, others may not even notice! Once one of my close friends opened up to me about her biggest insecurity. As it turned out, I had never noticed it about her! When I look at her now, I still don't see that flaw. I see my gorgeous friend. We judge ourselves more harshly than we judge others. If you stop comparing yourself to others, you can focus on your own self-image.
  • Talk to someone! This can be hard, but often a trusted friend, a close relative, or a counselor can be a good outlet. They may even relate to what you are saying and can offer some perspective. Having someone to relate to can make things easier.

So, there is nothing wrong with your body. There never has been. As long as you love it, there never will be.

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About the Creator

Luna Teal

Just a girl spreading love💫🌼💛

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