Body Image Q&A

I read Rebecca and chattermonkey's posts about body image and it got me thinking! So, I am answering the six body image questions too. With the New Year, we have all being bombarded by diet ads and resolutions to get thinner. I am sure we can certainly start a new calendar without trying to change our bodies too.

1. What’s a simple activity that consistently contributes to your positive body image?

Wearing clothes that reflect my personality and style. I feel good when I am dolled up in something that I like and shows off who I am - all of it!

2. What’s something you know now about body image that you didn’t know when you were 18 years old?

When I was 18, I didn't pay too much attention! I felt like I wasn't aware of my body or what I wore. I was always putting on things that were too small or too big. I was a different size then but I love my body more now. I don't take it for granted. I appreciate what I've got and am empowered by a community of bloggers, artists and fatshionistas.

3. Is there anything you find yourself doing repeatedly that gets in the way of your body image?

Worrying about what people feel about my body. I know it is not their responsibility. They think they are being helpful but I let myself get hurt when they verbalize their concerns. I am not very good with confrontation (example) and have a hard time explaining why they should be keeping their comments to themselves. It's none of their business, but I don't sit around scarfing down bags and bags of chips or whatever fucked up view they have. I don't have an eating disorder or problem that needs to be fixed. I do not need a fat intervention. I am not on the verge of obesity-caused death. These are things I should say but often don't. Instead, I let it get to me and just feel hurt that they can't love me the way I am.

4. Is there a body image mantra or motto (or any kind really) that you’ve found very helpful?

"I want everyone to stop judging others, stop hating, and realize we are all beautiful in our own ways. We shouldn't have to answer to anyone who thinks otherwise. Therefore we mustn't all be the same kind of person. I want everyone to just be themselves and tell anyone who says otherwise to screw off."

- Mia Tyler 

“You’ve got to do what you think is worth it. You can’t let any weird rules - no matter what they are - matter. You’ve got to make life your own. It’s one of the more heartbreaking lessons to learn but life is yours, it really is yours.”

- Beth Ditto (Gossip) 

"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."

- Dr. Seuss.

Plus this post from Kate Harding Don't You Realize Fat is Unhealthy?. She really drives it home for me and anybody that is confused or interested about the fat acceptance movement should read it.

5. Have you always felt about the same level of body image, or have you been through a period when you felt exceptionally better about your body and yourself as a whole – if so, why? If you were unhappy with your body or yourself, how did you become happier?

I used to be unhappy. I was taught that you should always diet and that being thinner was better. In middle school, I did the fad diets with my mom such as the cabbage soup diet. (OMG, yuck!) As I became an adult, I still had that mindset. Then something clicked. I can be healthy without striving for an unrealistic ideal. I can get rid of the food and exercise journals and just be happy! Around this time, I started shopping at Torrid and accepted my body.

6. Have you ever been surprised that something you expected would make you feel better about yourself, didn’t – or vice versa?

When I started getting tattoos, I didn't expect it to change my body image. I just liked tattoos. But it has turned my body into this beautiful piece of art that gives me confidence. They make me feel beautiful and complete who I am. It feels like I am adding something that was always there to me but just invisible to everybody else. They are on THIS body, which is perfect the way it is and deserves to be decorated and celebrated! It is also MY body and I get to choose what it looks like and can alter it how I please.

As you can see on my blog, I don't talk about body image all the time but having a positive one is a big part of who I am. I don't worry about people seeing my rolls or double chin when I post photos. This is what I look like. No point in trying to hide parts of me that are obviously there. I see them in the mirror and other people see it in real life. I wouldn't say I am brave because I am not scared of my body anymore. It has a little extra and a little less than other people. It wears clothes, goes to work, lays on the beach and pretty much goes with me everywhere!

I challenge you to try and answer these questions for yourself. If you like, share it on your blog and feel free to use the banner. Leave me your link too!