Embracing Every Curve: Celebrating Body Positivity Beyond Size
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well". - Psalm 139:14
We honestly live in a culture and world that often equates beauty with a certain size, height, or shape. There are so many unrealistic standards that we often pressure ourselves to meet. Did you know that the average dress size of women in America is a size 16? Generally, plus size is considered anything over a dress size of 10. Many women and men struggle with their physical appearance, whether it be their size, height, shape, hair color, shape of certain body parts, etc. This has a lot to do with cultural standards, family pressure, and rejection/acceptance of those around us including romantic partner interests. However, true beauty transcends numbers on a scale or clothing tags! The good news is, we can embrace body positivity! It is about recognizing and celebrating the uniqueness of our bodies, regardless of size. God was intentional when he made each one of us and we were made for good works, not good looks. This does not mean we should not keep up our physical health and take good care of ourselves. It just means we should grant ourselves grace and learn to love how we are. Beauty and attractiveness goes beyond physical appearance. In this blog post, we'll delve into the importance of loving your body beyond its size and explore ways to cultivate a positive body image.
Challenging Societal Norms
“Whatever we focus our attention on is what will dominate our thoughts." - Proverbs 23:7
Society has a narrow definition of beauty that has long perpetuated harmful stereotypes and unrealistic ideals. And what you will notice is that those standards changes over time. At one point, having a full size figure was "in." Movies, music videos, games, advertising, and social media often promote a homogeneous image of beauty, leading many to feel inadequate or ashamed of their bodies if they don't fit the mold. However, it's crucial to recognize that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms. By challenging societal norms and embracing diversity, we can create a more inclusive and empowering narrative surrounding body image.
Shifting Your Focus
Instead of fixating on size as a measure of worth or attractiveness, let's shift the focus to appreciating the functionality and uniqueness of our bodies. Our bodies are incredible vessels that enable us to experience life, express ourselves, and connect with others. Whether it's the strength of our muscles, the resilience of our skin, or the intricacy of our features, there is beauty to be found in every aspect of our bodies beyond their size. I grew over time to love my height as a 6'2.5" woman! There are times I think about my weight especially as it had changed over the years from stress eating and not knowing how to take care of myself. Sadly, I fell into the trap of then believing my worth was tied to how I looked. It seems silly to think about now, but I did have that struggle. However, I learned that my worth is tied to Christ and who I am is unique, which is precious to Him and should be precious to me. I was designed and created on purpose and for a purpose. Even my height, I'm sure, plays a part of how my life has shaped. I had to shift my focus back to the Lord and as I continue to practice this, I intentionally monitor what thoughts I have and how I view myself.
Practicing Self-Love
Cultivating a positive body image starts with practicing self-love and acceptance. This means embracing our bodies as they are, with all their imperfections and quirks. Rather than criticizing ourselves for perceived flaws, let's celebrate our bodies for all they do for us. Engaging in self-care activities, such as nourishing our bodies with nutritious food, staying active in ways that feel good, and prioritizing rest and relaxation, can help foster a sense of appreciation and gratitude for our bodies.
Rejecting Comparison: Comparison is the thief of joy, especially when it comes to body image. Constantly comparing ourselves to others, whether in real life or on social media, only perpetuates feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Instead of measuring ourselves against unrealistic standards, let's focus on our own journey towards self-acceptance and self-love. Remember that everyone's body is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all definition of beauty.
Promoting Inclusivity
Body positivity is about inclusivity and representation for people of all shapes, sizes, abilities, genders, and backgrounds. By amplifying diverse voices and celebrating the beauty of all bodies, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society. Whether through advocacy, activism, or simply embracing our own uniqueness, each of us has the power to contribute to a culture of body positivity.
Embracing body positivity goes beyond size—it's about recognizing the inherent beauty and worth of every body. By challenging societal norms, shifting our focus, practicing self-love, rejecting comparison, and promoting inclusivity, we can cultivate a more positive and empowering relationship with our bodies. We are God's masterpieces and we were made with intention. We have purpose and were made to complete a purpose. Remember, you are more than a size—you are a unique and beautiful individual deserving of love, respect, and celebration.
Prayer for Loving Your Body and Knowing Your Worth
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that you allow me to keep my mind and my thoughts on whatsoever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable concerning my body. Lord, remove my negative thoughts and my shame concerning my body and appearance. lord, do not let me be distracted or concerned with comparing myself among my family, peers, or friends on social media. I know that I am beautiful/handsome because I was made in your likeliness and image.
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