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I’m rediscovering my body after having my third child and navigating a global pandemic. You might think I’m being insensitive when I say this, but it’s the first time I’ve noticed belly fat. There’s a bit of skin that sags when I lean over or stretch into a downward dog position. I appreciate the mom jean trend; can you imagine if we were still stuck in low-rise jeans? Not only would my thong be on display, but where would my belly even fit in those? (I apologize for contributing to that trend, by the way.) Also, can we agree that thongs are like medieval torture devices? I don’t know who invented them, but they’ve never brought me any joy.
With the rise of digital media, body positivity has once again become a significant topic. We now see images of women confidently wearing swimsuits, models like Danae Mercer showing us how poses can conceal cellulite, and activists like Arielle Estoria sharing positive narratives about body image. We can curate our social media feeds, choosing the content we engage with, rather than being bombarded by unrealistic beauty standards from magazines. Here’s a quick tip: if you see ads promoting weight loss or other body-shaming products, mark them as offensive. This will help keep your feed a more positive space.
I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t conscious of my thighs. I grew up surrounded by comments about them, often labeled as “thunder thighs.” By the time I reached 16 and stood at six feet two inches, I was frequently called “big” even when I was just a skinny teenager. I constantly worried about how others viewed my thighs. If I saw someone with athletic legs, I felt better about myself; if not, I felt shame. I was conditioned to try and change them, to work relentlessly at the gym, but I never allowed them to simply be what they are – thighs.
Perhaps you can relate. Articles discussing body shapes or labeling “problem areas” have likely influenced your perspective too. But seriously, who decided that certain body parts needed fixing? The answer is, unfortunately, rooted in societal standards and unrealistic ideals. Blonde, slim, and able-bodied has long been deemed the standard of beauty—and that’s just wrong.
Having been 18 years sober from bulimia and other struggles, it’s a strange feeling to give birth during a pandemic and suddenly not recognize my body. Like many women, I experienced significant changes after having a child, and as I re-enter society, I worry about judgments regarding my size. What if they consider me “big”? What if they think my thighs are unattractive? These negative thoughts can dictate how we present ourselves.
But thighs aren’t unattractive. They’re just thighs. I may be larger compared to others, but I’m the right size for me. We shouldn’t let the judgment of others dictate our self-worth. Your value isn’t determined by what others think—it’s about how you perceive yourself.
Take some time to reflect on where these negative thoughts originated. Were you raised with body-shaming messages? Did someone make you feel less than because of your appearance? Confronting these memories and recognizing the false narratives we’ve internalized can help us embrace who we are. Self-love is essential for growth and acceptance. So remember: you are beautiful, and your body is remarkable.
Let’s wear the shorts, flaunt those swimsuits, and reconnect with ourselves. You are loved, and don’t forget that.
For more insights, check out this blog post and explore this resource for home insemination kits. Also, consider visiting Hopkins Medicine for excellent information on fertility and pregnancy.
Summary
This post emphasizes the need to shift our perspective on body image, particularly concerning thighs, which are often unfairly labeled as “problem areas.” The author shares personal experiences related to body image after childbirth and encourages readers to embrace their bodies without the influence of societal standards. By reflecting on where negative thoughts originate, individuals can foster self-love and acceptance. Ultimately, the message is about celebrating our bodies and rejecting harmful beauty norms.
Keyphrase: Stop Viewing Thighs as Problem Areas
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