Snap Into a SlimJEN: Body Confidence

When I’ve been out walking my dog I’ve been moo’d at. I’ve been publicly pointed out for being the fat one. Remember the movie Norbit? I’ve been shot at by a spit ball while someone yelling, “Right in the blow hole!” In the past if someone looked my way, I thought it was because of my weight or how my hair is much too big for my head on some days.  Now, when I catch someone looking my way, I smile with confidence, even if I don’t necessarily feel confident at the moment.  Everybody deserves to be happy, but for some reason the fact that I happen to be plus-size and happy seems to bother some people. So I want to take a moment to reflect on something that’s important to me: body confidence. I’ve been able to build my own confidence through the years. After pondering my own personal struggle to accept my curves most of my life, which contributed to a teen and adulthood battle with eating disorders, hypothyroidism, constant weight loss and weight gain (more on this in my Snap into a SlimJEN series), I thought it was time to share my way I’ve built up my body confidence.

Negative Voices: The first step to body confidence if getting rid of that negative little voice in your head. No you’re not a crazy person- we all talk to ourselves! But instead of nagging thoughts and whining about what you want to change, focus on what you like about yourself, by replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.  

Negative Surroundings: We’ve all heard that misery loves company, and it’s true! If you’re friends with someone who constantly rags on their own body, their self-hate may be affecting the way you view your own. The next time your friend brings up her body hang-up, tell her why she should learn to love and accept it, and turn the conversation around. 

Don’t Compare: Celebrities have glam squads. Photos are airbrushed are taken in perfect lighting and most of us don’t look like that in real life. Aspire to be the best version of yourself.

Compliments: Instead of looking for flaws, give a compliment, and mean it! Over time, you’ll start to compliment yourself vs. putting yourself down.

Always remember, if you don’t like the way you look…change it. YOU have the power. YOU are in control. If you don’t like your weight, do something about it. If you don’t like having big thighs…change it. Not sure how you feel about not having muscle tone? You can change that too! But honey, be honest with yourself and love the skin you are in. The world is a negative place sometimes. Be your own kind of wonderful and be kind to yourself. I understand not everyone understands body confidence or why I stand for it. But to me it’s such a simple concept. It’s all about loving your body regardless of your size and chasing your dreams.

 Note to you: you`re worth a lot more than society allows you to settle for you`re more beautiful then you let yourself believe.