Why a positive body image so important

We are surrounded by advertising, social media and television that give us conflicting views about how to feel about our bodies. A positive body image is important because when people try to bring us down by criticising us or body-shaming us, their comments won't matter. When you have a positive body image, you are more concerned with how you feel about your body, as opposed to how others feel about it. You'll understand that you aren't perfect and accept your body and love it as it is.

Naturally, like any other human being, there are days when you will be a little more critical of your body than usual. It takes time and a lot of self-acceptance and compassion for one to be comfortable in their own skin. But when this happens, it becomes easier to embrace what you think are your flaws. Think of your body as your home; because that is the skin you live in for the duration of your life. Appreciate it for what it can do for you.

A positive body image means understanding that you are given only one body, and that you should take care of it. It's understanding that being healthy and feeling good about yourself is far more important than trying to fit into a mold of what society deems "fit" or "thin" or "beautiful". It's understanding that we are all made differently and that we should rather strive to be the best versions of ourselves, instead of comparing ourselves to others, only to end up unhappy. Because let's be honest, you're damned if you're "too big", and you're damned if you're "too thin". You'll never be able to please everyone, and that's okay because everyone doesn't matter. What matters is how you feel about yourself when you look in the mirror. It's important to celebrate our bodies and love every shape, every curve, every bump, every stretch mark and every scar. Because if we don't, who will?

As women, we need to uplift other women and be cheerleaders instead of critics. We need to listen to the wise words of Elizabeth Gilbert:

"I am so tired of saying "no", waking up in the morning and recalling every single thing I ate the day before, counting every calorie I consumed so I know just how much self-loathing to take into the shower. I’m going for it. I have no interest in being obese, I’m just through with the guilt. So this is what I’m going to do: I’m going to finish this pizza, and then we are going to go watch the soccer game, and tomorrow we are going to go on a little date and buy ourselves some bigger jeans."