So, we all already know what body positivity is. But does that mean we really understand it?
Yes, it’s indeed about “celebrating and loving your body.”
It’s a belief that promotes self-love and the fight against body shaming.
However, there are a lot of subtexts of body positivity that a lot of people, seem to misinterpret.
Let’s look at these common myths surrounding body positivity and how we can correct them, one misconception at a time.
Myth: Body positivity must have a larger “goal”
Fact:
Feeling good about your body is a perspective. It doesn’t have an end goal, or has to be tied to an “achievement”. If you are thinking that feeling positive about your body means you have to hit a certain fitness/diet goal (or any other life goal), then you are missing the point. For example, thinking that “if I do this, I will feel better about my body.”
The idea is to feel confident about yourself, mind, body, and all, without an objective tied to it.
Myth: It means loving your body 24/7, 365 days
Fact:
How in the world is that possible? The dynamics of our mind with our body are just like any relationship. Even the most incredible relationships in the world have their ups and downs. So does ours with our body.
Body positivity is a state of mind, it’s a belief. It can and will change depending on certain internal and external factors.
Some days you may feel bloated (no two ways on that), some days you may not feel like working out, some days you may be emotionally overwhelmed. And those days, you won’t feel good about anything.
So what? It’s perfectly fine to feel how you feel.
Myth: Body positivity is about loving the external
Fact:
This might sound a tad philosophical, but we’ll say it anyway. Body positivity is about looking past the surface, into your inner self. We should also feel good about our body’s internal organs, their functions, mind, and spirit.
Psychologically speaking,
we can’t isolate the mind from the body, or the inside from the outside.
Myth: It is for plus-sized people, mostly.
Fact:
This is wrong on so many levels! Just because mainstream media talks about plus-size, doesn’t make it the norm. Once again, being body positive is about your attitude towards your body, whoever you are. Several studies have shown that people of all shapes and sizes can suffer from insecurities about their bodies.
You could be thin, tall, short, average size, as well, and yet not feel good about yourself.
So, it’s very wrong to assume that people who are not plus have gotten it all great.
Myth: Body positivity means you can let go, completely.
Fact:
Let’s clear this out once and for all. Your external appearance and health are not directly connected. Taking care of your health is important, whatever size or shape you are. Just because someone looks like a “fashion model” doesn’t mean they are healthy inside. So, take care of your mind and body.
Being well is the best gift we can give ourselves, more than how we look.
And that’s what self-love is all about.
Being body positive is a very, very optimistic way to look at yourself and live an emotionally healthy life. But let’s not get lost in the noise of social/marketing hype.
Let’s just take care of ourselves, feel well and be well, in mind, body, and spirits, as much as we can.
