Why We Should Love Our Bodies: Despite The Fashion industry telling us otherwise
Diane Von Furstenberg, a German fashion designer, and trailblazer for the wrap dress amongst other inventions whose mother experienced the turbulence of war through the Holocaust, marking her as a survivor. Furstenberg's mother continues to inspire her, and she campaigns for the fact she is a woman to be a privilege to be proud of. She stated, that if you have confidence, anything can look good. But how can numerous consumers find any sanctuary within the fashion industry when constantly seeing models who don't look like us?
College students often find themselves at a crossroads between adolescence and adulthood, navigating a multitude of challenges, including societal pressures related to body image and self-esteem. In a world where the fashion industry continuously bombards us with images of a single, idealized body type, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and compelled to conform. However, it's crucial for college students to recognize that their bodies are not only unique but also beautiful in their own right. The journey towards self-love and acceptance during this pivotal period of life is not just about physical appearance; it's about embracing the complexities and imperfections that come with adulthood. It's about realizing that our worth is not defined by our adherence to external beauty standards but by the depth of our character, our accomplishments, and our ability to grow and evolve as individuals. In the midst of pursuing our education and career aspirations, let us also dedicate time to cultivating self-love and body positivity, for it is the foundation upon which a confident and fulfilled adulthood is built.
Eating disorders as well as many other mental illnesses are reported to come from the constant gaze of teenagers and young adults when looking at social media and models. Christina Nearman, a former model and now clinical psychologist said, "Eating disorders take more lives than all other mental illnesses, and are a growing issue." When strolling through various magazines, we are often told, we are not good enough, from the photo enhancing processes each photo goes through before publishing. Most times, the models don't look like themselves, which creates a distorted image for consumers. "Messages that someone is not 'enough,' 'real,' or 'worthy,' because if their size and shape-- shouldn't be acceptable," Nearman stated in an interview with Simon Ward titled, 'Battling with my Body.' Each TikTok post of 'body positivity,' shows users and influences demonstrating their own 'body flaws'- according to society's toxic perfection beliefs. Scrawled throughout the comments are words glorifying the influencers for being so vulnerable by posting content that shouldn't show them at their best. It shows we are human and we have to break through the social media illusions.
How Do We Honor Our Bodies?
When it comes to finding yourself, fashion has a way of characterizing us in this already fashionable world into something remarkably beautiful. We are all unique individuals with various experiences, hopes, dreams, traumas, and perspectives. I once saw a TikTok that said, we are the main character, but yet another TikTok said, no no, we are not the main character, we are the director, the script writer, the camera person, and so on. We are in charge of our actions and how we see the world, vs. how the world sees us. Realizing that we have control is a little less settling because in reality, no one has it figured out, and if you do kudos. We are all creating and fracking our most authentic selves within our clothes and habits and hobbies we live out in our everyday lives. Honoring our bodies is a fundamental aspect of self-care and well-being. It begins with practicing self-compassion and self-acceptance, recognizing that our bodies are unique and deserve respect regardless of societal standards. Nourishing our bodies with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest is a way to show appreciation for the incredible vessels that carry us through life. It also involves listening to our bodies, paying attention to physical and emotional cues, and prioritizing self-care when needed. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with positive influences and avoiding comparisons can help foster a healthier self-image. Ultimately, honoring our bodies is a lifelong journey of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-care, promoting both physical and mental well-being.
Change the narrative of self-doubt and self-criticism by meeting yourself where you are. Social media has a great ability to guilt trip people to think they are not good enough, when the reality is, that not everything you see on the web is real. Plus their progress has nothing to do with your journey. Embrace your body, place on clothing that makes you feel more grounded and free, and don’t listen to the sometimes it's overwhelming, know it is ok to like what you like. In a world that often pushes unrealistic beauty ideals and where the pressure to conform can be immense, college students can begin their journey toward self-love and embracing adulthood with a few key tips. First and foremost, practice self-acceptance by appreciating your body's uniqueness and understanding that it doesn't need to fit a mold. Prioritize self-care, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, not solely for appearance but for your overall health and well-being. Cultivate a strong support system, leaning on friends and mentors who uplift and encourage you. Set realistic goals that align with your values and celebrate your achievements along the way. Embrace life's challenges as opportunities for growth, and remember that adulthood is a continuous learning process. By prioritizing self-love, acceptance, and personal growth, college students can navigate the pressures of the fashion industry and step confidently into adulthood.
Some Resources to Show Your Body Love
Diane Von Furstenberg: Design your life Ted Talk Fashion and the power of identity
100 Body Affirmations: Check it out
How to Accept Your Body: Mirror Exercise
Body Positive Journaling Prompts
Ways to Cherish your body: Some reminders and tips
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