In a candid and heartfelt Facebook post, news anchor Sarah Jennings urges women to stop the harsh self-criticism regarding their bodies. How often have you come across an old photo and thought, “Wow, I looked amazing”? Yet, how frequently does that initial joy fade as you remember your first reaction to that image, filled with thoughts like “I look fat” or “I feel so tired”? The truth is, we frequently distort our self-image through a lens of negativity, impacting how we perceive ourselves.
Sarah, a broadcaster at WXYZ in Michigan and a devoted mother, recently stumbled upon an old photograph and reflected on her past feelings about it. Her thoughts were all too familiar: “When I first saw this picture, I cringed. My mind was racing with thoughts like, ‘Look at that cellulite! My thighs are huge! Stretch marks, ugh!’ Now, after two years and some added pounds and stretch marks, I wonder why I was so critical of myself for so long,” she shared. “Why do so many of us struggle with this?”
This sentiment resonates widely, echoing a popular saying: “I wish I was as fat as I thought I was back then.” It reveals a common truth—we rarely appreciate our appearance in the moment, only to look back later and question our previous feelings of inadequacy.
At 40, Sarah admits she weighs more than ever before and often looks back at images from her 20s and 30s, questioning why she didn’t embrace her appearance then. She anticipates that in the future, she’ll look back at her current self as a vibrant and happy woman. “Why can’t I see that beauty now?” she wonders.
Sarah also referenced an impactful essay she shared on social media titled “Wear Your Swimsuit with Pride”, which promotes body positivity and self-acceptance. After posting it, a friend expressed gratitude for her message, revealing her own struggles with body image and how she often avoided social events because of it. This friend, who is undeniably beautiful and fun, pledged that this year she would embrace joy instead.
In her workplace, Sarah observes similar negativity among her colleagues. “Every day in the dressing room, I hear comments like, ‘Oh my gosh, my thighs! Ugh, my hair! Look at this gut!’ These words come from some of the most intelligent and talented women I know. Why do we do this to ourselves?”
Determined to change this narrative, Sarah has devised a plan: “I’m going to consciously monitor both my inner dialogue and what I express outwardly to banish this negativity. It’s not just for me—it’s for my son too. I want him to grow up around people who value character and intellect over appearance, and that starts with how his parents perceive themselves.”
To conclude, she quotes a wise yoga instructor: “It doesn’t matter how it looks; what matters is how it feels.” She encourages everyone to embrace their bodies and to “put on that swimsuit without hesitation.”
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Summary
Sarah Jennings, a Michigan news anchor, calls on women to stop criticizing their bodies after reflecting on her own past insecurities. In her viral Facebook post, she encourages others to embrace their appearances and emphasizes the importance of positive self-talk, not just for oneself but for future generations. By fostering a culture of self-acceptance, she hopes to change the narrative surrounding body image.