Our society has rules about what being “perfect” looks like.” The media in our society tells us that women are supposed to be Barbie like. Pencil thin, blonde, blue eyes, popular, etc. You know what I am talking about. As soon as you watch a movie or watch television the main female character is usually the stereotype I described before. The underlying tone in all of this is this: We will never live up to these unrealistic expectations given to us by our culture. That causes feelings of rejection and insecurity.
As soon as a child is born there are certain expectations placed on them. Girls are supposed to be super skinny, petite, and “cute.” Boys are supposed to be tough, strong, and full of muscles. Is this fair? How will anyone truly reach these expectations? Once we don’t meet them we think that we are not good enough. This leads to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. According to NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) by age six, children, especially girls, are already expressing concerns about their own weight or shape. About 40-60% of girls ages 6-12 has dieted or is concerned about becoming too fat. The pressure only increases as they grow up.
I know changing the media or culture is near impossible. However, we can change our own thinking. People are beautiful. I encourage you to find the beauty in everyone, but especially yourself. Look past what you see in the mirror and find your own beauty. It is okay to love yourself!
I must also remind everyone that we are not in this fight alone. We have each other! If you choose to let people help you. That is hard for me sometimes. It’s like playing tug of war. If you were playing by yourself you would never win. But, if you let others pull the rope WITH you we can all succeed. Notice I said WITH you and not FOR you. You are never alone friends.
Be encouraging today!
As soon as a child is born there are certain expectations placed on them. Girls are supposed to be super skinny, petite, and “cute.” Boys are supposed to be tough, strong, and full of muscles. Is this fair? How will anyone truly reach these expectations? Once we don’t meet them we think that we are not good enough. This leads to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. According to NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) by age six, children, especially girls, are already expressing concerns about their own weight or shape. About 40-60% of girls ages 6-12 has dieted or is concerned about becoming too fat. The pressure only increases as they grow up.
I know changing the media or culture is near impossible. However, we can change our own thinking. People are beautiful. I encourage you to find the beauty in everyone, but especially yourself. Look past what you see in the mirror and find your own beauty. It is okay to love yourself!
I must also remind everyone that we are not in this fight alone. We have each other! If you choose to let people help you. That is hard for me sometimes. It’s like playing tug of war. If you were playing by yourself you would never win. But, if you let others pull the rope WITH you we can all succeed. Notice I said WITH you and not FOR you. You are never alone friends.
Be encouraging today!
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