Own Your Body, Own Your Story: Here's how this self-love concept can empower you!

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Welcome to “Mindfulness by Miles!” I hope you’re having a great day so far. Every Friday, I publish articles about various health and mindfulness tips. My goal is to help you enhance your overall well-being with the help of these topics and insights. For today’s article, we’ll talk about ways to love and appreciate yourself. Read on to have a clearer grasp of what it means to practice self-love and feel comfortable in your own skin. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Own Your Body, Own Your Story: Here's how this self-love concept can empower you! In a world bombarded by glossy magazines filled with size 0 models on the covers, Instagram feeds from “flawless” people, and unattainable beauty standards, it’s easy to think and feel like you’re falling short. Negative self-talk such as, “I’m too skinny,” “I’m too fat,” “I’m too short,” and the likes—all these badly impact how you see and treat yourself. However, you don’t have to live that way for long. You can still feel good in your own skin even if you’re seemingly “not enough” based on the world’s standards! Enter the revolutionary realm of body positivity, where every BODY is celebrated, cherished, and loved. Buckle up as we dive into the empowering world of this concept, exploring its benefits and highlighting why this movement is an essential force for good. The Beauty Myth and Its Toll Picture this: A society fixated on an elusive “perfect” body type that’s as rare as a unicorn sighting. For too long, we’ve been told that our self-worth hinges on fitting into a certain mold, causing us to silently battle self-doubt and insecurities. These unrealistic beauty ideals often lead to one’s poor self-esteem, mental health struggles, and even harmful behaviors like extreme dieting or body shaming. Then came body positivity, a social movement and philosophy that advocates for self-acceptance, self-love, and respect for all types of bodies, regardless of their sizes, shapes, appearances, or abilities. This movement aims to challenge societal norms and beauty standards that often promote narrow and unrealistic ideals. The core idea behind body positivity is that all bodies are worthy of love, respect, and dignity, and that one’s self-worth should not be solely determined by physical appearance. In other words, body positivity is about letting go of the notion that there’s a “one-size-fits-all” standard for beauty and recognizing that our bodies are all equally incredible vessels that carry us through life’s adventures. Some of the benefits of body positivity include: Boosted self-love and confidence Diverse representation in society Better mental health Healthier habits A kinder, more empathetic world Personally, I’ve also had my fair share of struggling with insecurities about my physical appearance. It was hard looking at myself in the mirror and only noticing what I do not have instead of what I actually have. Thankfully, I was able to overcome such struggles and tap into my inner peace so that I could accept myself for who I truly am. One of the things that helped me value myself more? I stopped comparing myself to others. I understood that everyone is unique and beautiful in their own ways. By adopting this mindset, I was able to let go of the pressure to be like everyone else and live my life as happily as I could! Here are a few more tips you can try to get into the body positivity bandwagon and become a beacon of self-love: Start With Self-Talk: Be your own best friend and replace self-criticism with self-affirmation. Celebrate your body’s triumphs, from the tiniest victories to the grandest achievements. Curate Your Social Feed: Follow accounts that showcase real stories and uplifting messages. Your feed can become a sanctuary of positivity and inspiration. Speak Up and Educate: Politely challenge body-shaming comments and educate others about the importance of body positivity. Your words can create ripples of positive change. Practice Gratitude: Focus on what your body can do rather than how it looks. Celebrate your body’s ability to dance, run, hug, and experience the world. In a world that constantly bombards us with unrealistic beauty standards, body positivity is a life-affirming breath of fresh air. It reminds us that we are worthy of love and respect exactly as we are. It's also important to note that body positivity doesn't promote unhealthy lifestyles or disregard health. Instead, it encourages people to prioritize their well-being in ways that are sustainable and respectful of their individual needs and bodies. Besides, by embracing our bodies with open arms, we pave the way for a more inclusive, confident, and compassionate future. So, take a collective step toward a world where every BODY is a cause for celebration, and self-love reigns supreme. Have a great Friday, everyone!