Let’s Talk Bodies!

It’s more than just a physical thing.

We look at ourselves and are quick to pick out our perceived faults. Our bodies are more than some physical attribute, they are what we are in every day, but we give ourselves such a hard time, we criticise ourselves so heavily on something we carry with us every day!

Labels

I don’t like labels. They are for clothes, not bodies or personalities or anything that isn’t an item of clothing or a pair of shoes.

Also, a clothes size does not define you. It’s a number, being one size opposed to another means nothing. It doesn’t change your amazing smile, your ability to make others laugh, your sense of humour or anything that makes you unique and amazing!

Self-criticism

Why do we criticise ourselves so much?

Personally, I think it’s a mixture of things, if someone says something enough times we believe it to be true, that includes the way we talk to ourselves.

Self-esteem can be knocked down easily now that we live in a society where social media is a huge part of our lives. We are exposed to countless adverts from gyms and beauty companies and slogans like beach body ready. How can we not be somewhat influenced by this?

It also comes from comparison, it’s hard not to compare. Particularly on a site like this, if someone appears to be doing well we may ask ourselves what’s wrong with us?

The answer is nothing.

Self-kindness

Words really can hurt! Everyone has a preference, that’s totally fine, it’s totally normal, but there is a way to word things. We have to remember not everyone is as confident as you may feel and some people struggle with their body image and self-esteem. Being kind costs nothing. If someone isn’t your type physically then just scroll on by.

But also, be kind to yourself. We are our own worse critics, sometimes we can be harder on ourselves than anyone can. When we tell ourselves something negative over and over again, that’s when we start to believe it when someone else says anything negative about us.

Your body is yours, when you look at it don’t pick out flaws, look at the things you like about yourself. Remember that your body is amazing, and it fits you perfectly.

Something for everyone

Will anyone want me or my items?

Yes! The beauty of this site is there is something for everyone and I’ve seen sellers and buyers grow in confidence and it’s lovely. Physical attributes are only part of it, it’s not the whole thing that makes you a seller. Your personality and uniqueness are just as important if not more so. You can offer something nobody else can: your scent, taste etc, use that as a positive.

Body positivity

Why is it important to be kind about bodies? It’s not just our own bodies but others as well. As I’ve said already in this blog, we have to carry out bodies and love them every day, punishing ourselves and putting ourselves down is draining and unhealthy.

We need to look at our bodies with pride.

We can’t be positive all the time as it’s not realistic, but body positivity is so many things, it’s recognising that we are fine as we are, that everyone is different and that should be celebrated. Wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same?

Self-love and self-care are important particularly for our mental health. Also, to be blunt, we have to learn to stop caring so much about what others think. For such a long time we have been told you have to look like this to be attractive, to wear a bikini, to look good in certain clothes. What is wrong with loving who you are for every inch of who you are?

Being Seen

We don’t belong behind the scenes. We don’t need to look a certain way to tick a little box, we don’t need to hide who we are and anyone or anything that makes you feel like that is not worth your time.

How many of us have spent time hiding away? Hiding our bodies, not wanting to be in photos or showing off parts of us. It’s almost like we are worried out bodies will offend someone, screw that!

We all deserve to be seen, we are more than a size, we all offer something amazing, we all bring something to the table. Other people’s bodies are not ours to comment on. There is nothing wrong with compliments but beyond that you don’t get a say, you don’t get to try and use someone’s body as a way to insult them or for anything negative.

Conclusion

So why did I write this blog?

Because when we are on a buying and selling site, we can become very critical of ourselves, it can almost magnify our insecurities. It’s not just sellers it can affect either.

I want you to know you’re perfect the way you are, it’s time to love ourselves, it’s time to own who we are. I’ve battled with my self-esteem for years and I’ve been my harshest critic, and I don’t want anyone to feel that they aren’t good enough.

Screw labels, screw categories, screw anything that makes you think you have to define who you are based on a little number on a little tag.

Flaunt your body, love it, embrace it!!