If you Google ‘How many people are happy with their bodies?’ numerous sites will point to the fact that 80% of women are dissatisfied with the way they look. I understand that we all have parts of ourselves that we want to change, I‘m strictly talking about physical parts, parts that we think should be bigger or smaller or smoother or tighter. Being happy and confident in our own body has never been an easy feat. I’m not trying to be gender biased, but men, it seems, complain far less about their bodies and don’t feel the need to punish or beat themselves up over a small portion of fat or cellulite as often as their female counterparts do. Guys, correct me if I’m wrong.
It’s not just about the weight, in my opinion that’s only a small part of it. Talking from personal experience, I have never been obese or overweight in my entire life, but it doesn’t change the fact that sometimes I look in the mirror and think ‘I wish…’ Now I’m not the type to over scrutinize every single pore on my face or every lump of cellulite on my body but once in a while I just can’t help myself.
Don’t get me wrong, there are days when I look in the mirror after throwing together an outfit or even just dancing around all alone in my room in nothing but my underwear (admit it, we all do it!) and think to myself ‘damn, you’re sexy!’ But then there are also those days when I take one look in the mirror, scrunch up my face and think ‘ugh…’
I’m starting to realise it’s all about perspective, (your perspective and nobody else’s) the sooner we accept how we are and that we look perfectly fine no matter the size, colour or shape, the happier we will be. That increase in confidence will show and people will be attracted to that instead of superficial looks.
When I think about the increasing number of teenage girls abusing their bodies by under eating or undergoing plastic surgery it really makes me wonder what’s wrong with our society. Do we really value outer beauty more than health and well-being? Is this the world we want our children to live in? I’m proud to say that I have never once thought about going under the knife, mostly because I’m broke and I have zero pain tolerance. But there are girls and women who will consider surgery as an option… option to what? Unless it’s a matter of life or death nobody should be contemplating surgeries because no matter how minor, every surgery carries some risks.
The way I see it, God made every one of us beautiful in our own unique way. Just because the media has altered and forced their definition of ‘beauty’ onto the world doesn’t mean we are obliged to follow. Aim to be healthy and comfortable in your own skin instead of what everybody else is telling you to be; you know your body better than anyone. Look in the mirror and tell yourself (Bruno Mars’ way): “You’re amazing, just the way you are!”
Rosary Natania 