LOVE YOUR BODY

Every body has flaws. Mine. Yours. But I’ve always been confident with my body. I’ve always thought that no matter what shape or size I am, it’s my body and it is important to appreciate it. I’ve always tried to keep my body strong and healthy so that I can feel good everyday. However, when I was entering 6th grade, I saw many girls starting to dislike their bodies. When crushes began to develop and boys began to notice girls, it became normal to hear people comparing their bodies to others. Girls became insecure with the way they looked, just because they weren’t the same as others.

Sadly, many young girls have trouble appreciating their bodies because of the media today. Since kids are starting to get phones and Instagrams younger, there is much more access to the media. We see models with long legs and flat stomachs and chests, and we are told that is what beautiful is. Thighs aren’t touching, waists are super skinny, and that is what we see as “perfect”.  But is it real? No! The pictures you see in magazines and online are airbrushed and photo shopped.

Let me personally tell you, YOUR BODY IS PERFECT AND AMAZING JUST THE WAY IT IS. No matter how hard it may be to be confident at a young age, it is so important to know that your body is made especially for YOU. Although many girls focus a lot on how they look, at the end of the day it is important to know that you are so much more than just what you look like. Appreciate your body for what it can do! Run! Jump! Hike! Bike!

Luckily, many feminist organizations and female celebrities have been taking charge to assure women and young girls feel confident about their bodies. Many different stores and businesses have started to hire models with all different body types, showing that there is not one perfect body. One Fashion Model and rising Body Activist who has brought much attention to the topic is Ashley Graham. As a swimsuit and clothing model, Ashley has been redefining the standards of “beautiful” for all women. In many of herlectures and speeches, Graham states "It doesn't matter if you're a size 2 or 22, you can be healthy as long as you're taking care of your body, working out, and telling yourself 'I love you' instead of taking in the negativity of beauty standards.” Ashley Graham works to make girls feel happy about how they look, and has added many other models to her campaign.

Ashley Graham looks to prove to younger girls that they are so much more than the way they look. Realize that when making friends and developing relationships, your appearance doesn’t matter. It is so important to focus on the important things in life, and not stress about your body. Tell yourself that you are beautiful every day. Although it seems so important to you right now, I can assure you that in a few years you will realize your appearance isn’t as important as you think. Take a deep breath and realize how strong you are. I already know you’re an amazing person, and I don’t know what you look like!