You’ve heard me talk about fashion, freelancing and even sometimes travel. But I want to take a second to reflect on what’s most important to me and what my message stands for: body confidence.
I started this blog back in 2012 (relaunched in November, 2015) to share my personal style and love of fashion. Reluctant to share the most natural aspect of my life (my body), I was searching for a niché over the years. I finally stopped searching because it was right in front of me the entire time. It turned into something more…organically. Once the shift came, I started receiving messages from women saying that I’ve helped inspire more self love and also to strive for a healthier lifestyle. I believe that women should be able to make decisions on their bodies based on their own opinions, not the opinions of others or of society. Whether that’s working out religiously in the gym, or just staying active with a low key exercise regimen; the key is to feel healthy yourself, not to try and fit into an impossible ideal that social media forces on you.
Helping inspire other curvy women to be the “best you” with confidence has touched my soul. I’ve struggled with body flaws, clothing issues but learned how to accept all of my curves and to love all of me. After reflecting on how I’ve become so confident over the years, I thought it was time to share a few tips.
1. Don’t spend time worrying about other women.
I don’t look at other women’s bodies and want what they have. Don’t compare. I worry about myself. Stop talking about them, stop thinking about them, and stop worrying about them. Stop giving away so much of your power. Time to be selfish and focus on you.
2. Be good to yourself
Treat yourself kindly! We deserve the best. Don’t talk negatively about yourself. Don’t let your mind defeat you! Positive affirmations only. With work, our interior negative self talk will soften. If you wouldn’t say it about a friend, don’t you dare say it about yourself.
3. Be nice to others
Criticizing or judging others appearances will never get you farther in life. Matter of fact, it will set you back. It will get in the way of feeling more positive about your own body. Be nice, always.
4. Spend more time focusing on the things you like about your body
We all have flaws. Yes, all of us. It’s a communal part of being human. Switch your focus to the things you like about your body instead of the things you don’t. We are trying to move totally away from negative thought so you can get to the point where you feel “I’m gorgeous, regardless!”
5. Reframe your flaws and do something about them if you’re unhappy
Have cellulite on your hamstrings? That just means you have a nice butt! Have a stretch marks on your tummy after pregnancy? You made another human being! Are you tall? You can see over everyone in crowds. Reframe your flaws into positive advantages.
6. Take compliments
Just say thank you. Don’t say “but…” or “even though…” The more you accept them, the more you will believe them.
7. Give compliments
We should help each other out. It can make someones day and also help them gain more confidence!
8. Forget the numbers
Stop worrying so much about the number on the scale or the number on your pants. This doesn’t define you or determine your worth. It can also get in the way of doing things, as it can easily be used as an excuse. You’re capable of doing so much more than you think.
9. Exercise to make you feel good
Exercising to lose weight can be so daunting…and feel like a chore! There are so many other benefits to exercising that don’t have anything to do with our bodies! Exercise to make yourself feel good, to get stronger and feel more powerful. Exercise to shift your mind more than your body. Taking care of your body by fueling it with healthy foods can make you feel a million times better, too! Not all exercises are built the same either, so it may take some time finding one that you enjoy. If you find an exercise you enjoy, it won’t even feel like work!
Photographer: Julian Dicampo
