Self Image
I wanted to share something a little more personal on the blog today so you can know me a little bit better. I've been struggling this past year and maybe my whole life with my body image. I've never been happy with the way I looked because everywhere I turn skinny with a big butt and big boobs has been deemed attractive. Even when I look at different fashion inspirational pages on Instagram I can't help but notice that 90% of the pictures they repost are of skinny beautiful women. Lately I have noticed that plus size bloggers have been making a splash on the social media circuit and in the fashion industry which is amazing!! I'm left wondering, what happens to the women like me who are neither skinny or plus size? I feel like there is no one out there who represents us! It is also a small factor in why I'm not happy with the way my body looks. Unfortunately the media controls what the world deems beautiful and I don't fit into that equation.
I am 5'9 and a size 10/11 who weighs 165lbs. It's huge that I am sharing that with all of you because I still have my weight from 7 years ago on my drivers license and its about 20lbs less than what I actually weigh. I am striving to be healthier and love my body at every stage of my life but it's harder than it seems. The pressure of looking perfect in every single picture and dissecting my looks constantly has been wearing down on me. This is why I take a break from the blog and social media. I'm a work in progress and I am slowly trying to better myself!
Why I'm Sharing ...
I have been wanting to share the not so perfect side of my life for a while because writing is like my therapy. It's not all perfect outfits and great lighting there is a lot of imperfection and self criticizing behind the scenes. I am only human and I think we all go through similar feelings but I've learned one thing in life that is, if you don't like something about yourself than change it. Its as simple as that! Well not that simple but you get the gist.
Vest: Zara (old)
Dress: H&M (old)
Boots: Zara (old)
Scarf: Zara (old)
Bag: Zara
Sunglasses: Celine
Vest: Zara (old)
Dress: H&M (old)
Boots: Zara (old)
Scarf: Zara (old)
Bag: Zara
Sunglasses: Celine
Progress Not Perfection
In the last few months I have tweaked my thinking and realized that I need to love myself enough to take care of my mind, body and soul. I know it sounds a little cliche but its true!! Ive started with baby steps, the way I was nourishing my body before was extremely unhealthy which in turn made me feel crapy all the time. Eating healthier and exercising slightly has made me feel better and has given me more energy. I have also incorporated positive quotes in my closet room and read them everyday. It starts my day of with positivity which is the best way to start the day! I also love watching Mimi Ikon's youtube videos because she is just the most genuinely positive person I've seen in a long time and her attitude is contagious. I hope this post gave you a little food for thought and maybe motivates you to get out of a negative head space you may be in!
Just come across your blog; I too am the same measurements as yourself; 5ft 9, UK size 10/12 clothes. I too, use to be pretty hard on my self, criticize the way I looked and etc, because I simply did not ''fit'' what the media portray / saturate us with day in day out. However earlier this year, I realised that I needed to let go of those thoughts and start to love myself and appreciate what I have been born with and work with it. Not going to lie, it has been tough, but as the end of 2016 draws near, I can wholeheartedly say, I am so much happier about myself than I ever have been before. Now and again you get the odd remarks from people, but who cares? So long as you are happy with yourself and who you are, that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteI hope 2017 you can dig deep and start / learn to appreciate yourself and your body, and just 'werk' it, girl. :)
www.cassiemaie.com
WOW Cassie, I am lost for words. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my blog post and I have taken a very long break from blogging and social media to get myself to the point were I am happy with myself and will no longer criticize myself for my unique attributes. I'm sorry I'm just reading your sweet comment a month later but your words have given me that little boost I needed to get back in the blogging game! For that I am very appreciative! Glad I'm not alone in my struggles!
DeleteXO
Shirley