You may have noticed a trending hashtag on Instagram: #VBO, which stands for Visible Belly Outline. It’s not exclusive to plus-sized women; it’s a badge of honor for anyone who doesn’t have a set of washboard abs. It’s a statement of self-acceptance: “I may not fit the ideal, and I’m perfectly fine with that.”
Let’s be honest, we’re not Hollywood stars with access to personal trainers and chefs. We’re real moms, often juggling multiple children and the demands of daily life. Some of us have always had a tummy pooch, even at a size 2. Others may not have developed it until after several kids. There’s no denying that most of us have, will have, or currently have a visible belly outline.
Sure, we can try to hide it. We can reach for Spanx, flowy tops, or even consider surgical options. But ultimately, it’s far healthier and liberating to say: “Hello, world! I have a visible tummy outline, and it’s not going anywhere.” Almost every woman, particularly those who have given birth, shares this experience. It’s time to take pride in our bodies and stop feeling ashamed of something that is completely natural.
It can be intimidating at first. The fear of someone asking, “When are you due?” when you’re not pregnant can be crushing. But we don’t have to succumb to these outdated standards. The next time someone makes a comment about your body, tell them, “No, I’m not pregnant, and it’s not okay to comment on my body.”
Speak out against scrutiny. It’s not acceptable for anyone to comment on your VBO, whether it’s an elderly neighbor or a stranger in the grocery store. Times have changed, and so have our standards of beauty. VBO is here to stay, and we should celebrate it.
Take a moment to check out the stunning images under the #VBO hashtag. Women of all sizes are rocking their visible tummy outlines with confidence. Look at how they defy societal norms and radiate beauty. Don’t you want that for yourself? Don’t you want to own your body, VBO and all, and tell anyone who can’t accept it to take a hike?
You are empowered. You are beautiful. How often do you walk down the street and think negatively about another woman’s appearance? You probably don’t. You wouldn’t critique a stranger’s belly, so why do it to yourself? Imagine if you directed the kindness you offer others towards yourself.
You are part of a beautiful community. Most of us share this experience of VBO; it does not define our worth. My partner doesn’t care about my soft belly, nor do my kids. It’s a cozy spot for hugs and cuddles, a cherished part of my identity.
Ask yourself: is your VBO lovely? Absolutely. It’s a part of you, and you are indeed lovely. You deserve to love every inch of yourself, so let go of the tummy hate. Wear what you want, embrace your comfort, and most importantly, love yourself, VBO and all.
If you’re looking for more on fertility journeys, check out this post on couples fertility journey as you navigate this experience. And for more information on introducing new foods to your baby, you can visit this authority on baby nutrition. Additionally, for questions about pregnancy and home insemination, this resource provides valuable insights.
In summary, embracing your Visible Belly Outline can be a liberating journey towards self-love. You are wonderful just as you are, and it’s time to celebrate your unique beauty.