Many of us have wrestled with feelings of inadequacy, but we’re fed up with society’s unrealistic expectations for women’s bodies. It’s time to share our truths in The Confessional.
From a young age, we are inundated with messages from the media and society pushing diet culture onto us. We see countless stories and images of people taking extreme measures to achieve drastic weight loss, celebrities who’ve “bounced back” after childbirth, and tips on how to “dress 15 pounds lighter” while taking selfies at angles that conceal imperfections.
However, thanks to influential figures like Mia Johnson, Alex Chen, and Bella Hayes, along with social media influencers who advocate for self-love and acceptance in all forms, we are gradually witnessing a shift towards body positivity. And we’re all here for these empowering confessions.
Let’s face it: we still have a long way to go. The Confessional is filled with entries detailing our struggles with self-image. Yet, there’s a growing trend of confessions celebrating self-acceptance at any size.
Breaking the cycle of self-criticism can be challenging, especially when it stems from our upbringing. Parents’ voices can linger, but we’re committed to silencing those critical thoughts and protecting the next generation from the same fate.
Confessions of Self-Acceptance
Confessional #1987654: “I actually appreciate my soft, squishy belly. My partner is an artist working on a body-positive project and finds me attractive. My mom? She keeps pushing me to revert to my college eating disorder.”
Confessional #2198765: “Mothers who boast about their skinny daughters should be held accountable.”
We’re beginning to understand that health exists across the weight spectrum, and it’s time to stop punishing ourselves for simply being human and having appetites.
Confessional #1987658: “I’m healthy, though overweight. It’s entirely possible to be fat and healthy, and I’d choose that over being unhealthy at any size.”
Confessional #2098765: “Had cookies and milk for dinner because I just couldn’t stand another chicken breast. I’m done with diet culture.”
Confessional #2567890: “I quit dieting, and my overall food intake has decreased. I no longer obsess over food. I eat what I desire and know when to stop. Goodbye, diet culture. I’m enjoying real food and a fulfilling life.”
This journey also brings the realization that we should have embraced ourselves long ago because we are enough as we are.
Confessional #2576457: “I wish I had appreciated my former body; I starved myself for it, and people accepted it as long as I looked good. I’m so much happier now that I allow myself to eat like a person.”
Confessional #2576123: “At 33, I’ve resolved never to diet again. Sure, I could be 120 pounds with a flat belly, but for what? To gain others’ approval? No thanks. My New Year’s resolution is to love myself as I am.”
Confessional #2575432: “I used to despise my body because media and films portrayed women as worthless unless they had perky breasts, flat stomachs, and perfect figures. I wish I had realized that was utter nonsense when I was 15.”
Confessional #2575229: “For most of my life, I wore loose, ill-fitting clothing because I was embarrassed by my large breasts and curves. At 30, I’m finally dressing for my body shape and flaunting what I have—for me. I wish I had known this feeling at 18.”
The Reality of Motherhood
As for the idea of “bouncing back” after having a baby? Forget it. Our bodies are incredible; they’ve created, nurtured, and delivered life. Of course, such significant changes will alter our appearance, and we should celebrate that.
Confessional #1700123: “I’m 220 lbs and have a c-section flap, but I feel amazing at work. Guys flirt with me, and the jealous married women can’t stand it. I feel beautiful, no matter my appearance.”
Confessional #1073567: “I’ve never felt more in love with my body than right after having a baby. I feel empowered, sexy, and small. Our bodies are designed for extraordinary things, and no one should feel ashamed of the physical results of nurturing a human.”
Confessional #1449057: “My body isn’t flawless. I have scars, stretch marks, and sagging skin—but I still love it! It has given me children and the joy of my partner’s affection.”
Confessional #1774567: “I’m at my highest weight after having twins, but I’m finally content with my body. I love myself after carrying twins to 39 weeks and recognizing my strength. It may not look strong, but it is!”
Let these bold confessions remind us: we are so much more than a number on a scale. Our value isn’t determined by our weight, skin smoothness, or breast shape. No more apologies for our appearance; the only opinion that truly matters is our own.
Confessional #25759876: “People who post full-body photos of themselves are my kind of individuals: real, honest, and unapologetic.”
Confessional #12345678: “I consider myself beautiful and alluring. I sometimes remember my weight, gray hair, and age of almost 50, but that’s probably others’ loss.”
This article was initially published on February 25, 2020.
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In summary, embracing our bodies at every size is a powerful movement that promotes self-acceptance and challenges societal norms. We are learning to celebrate our uniqueness and prioritize our well-being over external validation.