The empowerment of women through body positivity and self-love has become a powerful movement in our world today. This movement aims to challenge commercialized beauty standards that narrowly define women’s beauty and instead promotes the acceptance and appreciation of all body shapes, sizes, tones, and forms. Rooted in the “fat positivity” and “radical positivity” movements of the 1980s, this body-positive movement began as a response from Black women advocating for respect and dignity for those living in marginalized bodies (Darwin & Miller, 2021).
Gracia, a new mother, looked down at her changed body with a blend of awe and uncertainty. She gently touched the stretch marks and soft curves that had appeared postpartum, feeling a surge of gratitude for what her body had accomplished. As she cradled her newborn in her arms, Gracia realized her body had created and sustained life—a power she had never fully appreciated before. With each passing day, she learned to embrace these changes as a badge of honor, a reminder of the strength and beauty inherent in motherhood. This journey towards self-love and body acceptance brought Gracia a sense of peace, knowing her body was a testament to the incredible miracle of birth.
Body positivity is a societal movement that promotes equality and acceptance for bodies of all shapes and sizes. Its goal is to challenge how society—especially the media—presents and perceives the human body. As Kristen Fuller, MD, explains in her article on Verywell Mind, “One of the goals [of body positivity] is to challenge how our society, particularly all forms of media, presents and views the physical human body. It embodies loving your body and feeling good about it.” A positive body image is rooted in a genuine love and respect for one’s body.
Every day, we’re surrounded by messages that tell us our bodies aren’t good enough. It might be a friend who talks about how much she dislikes her shape, or one person wishing for a different chest size while another feels self-conscious for the opposite reason. One woman might “snap back” immediately after childbirth, while another takes more time. These variations highlight the beauty and uniqueness of our bodies, each shaped differently yet perfectly. Loving our bodies, as they are, is far more important than any ideal we’re told to strive for.
Everyone deserves to love and respect their bodies, regardless of societal or cultural beauty standards. Affirmations that support this mindset include:
- I embrace my body just as it is.
- I am grateful for all that my body does.
- I feel love and appreciation for my body.
- My body is strong and capable.
- My body is more than enough for me.
This approach reminds us that every body type is valuable and worthy of respect and dignity. It encourages us to step away from conforming to conventional beauty ideals, emphasizing self-worth and celebrating the unique qualities and strengths each body possesses.
Alessia Cara’s single “Scars to Your Beautiful” explores the societal ideals of beauty that women feel pressured to meet to be seen and accepted. The song serves as a powerful reminder that beauty is not defined by a single look, shape, size, or color—it transcends the tangible.
The message behind this song highlights that true beauty lies in authenticity, self-love, and resilience. It comes in countless forms, and this diversity deserves recognition. Cara encourages women to embrace their natural beauty and reject society’s unrealistic standards of perfection. In the lyrics, she emphasizes that beauty is not about having a flawless appearance, but about self-acceptance and confidence in one’s uniqueness. She urges women to embrace their imperfections and appreciate their strength and worth.
Her message is simple: you don’t have to change your appearance to be beautiful. As she poignantly sings, “She don’t see her perfect, she don’t understand she’s worth it, or that beauty goes deeper than the surface.” This line encapsulates the idea that the woman’s inability to see her own beauty is a distorted response to societal standards.
Dear Woman,
Embracing your body and its uniqueness is essential for building self-esteem and improving both mental and physical health. Feeling comfortable in your own skin can enhance your confidence, positively impacting important aspects of life such as work, family, and relationships.
You should recognize that your body is beautiful and learn to love the skin you’re in. It’s perfectly okay to admit that you don’t love every aspect of your body, or to feel neutral or indifferent about it. Remember, your worth and value do not depend on your shape, size, or any other aspect of your appearance.
As a woman, you experience many life changes—puberty, pregnancy, and more—that alter the body in one way or another. Pregnancy, while a beautiful process, can also be life-threatening. Some even lose their lives during childbirth. If you come through the labor room with your beautiful scars, why allow others—who have never walked in your shoes—to define your beauty standards?
This is where acceptance comes in.
Embrace body positivity and acceptance by treating your body with care and acknowledging insecurities. Recognize that flaws like sagging breasts, wrinkles, and scars should not diminish your self-esteem. Instead of succumbing to unrealistic beauty standards promoted by the media, celebrate your unique body and accept the changes that come with aging, pregnancy, and lifestyle. Finding peace with your body allows you to reflect on any negative feelings without the need for change.
To foster body positivity, focus on:
- Appreciating your body despite flaws
- Accepting your shape and size
- Cultivating inner positivity
- Seeking unconditional acceptance from others
- Helping others build body confidence
Radical self-love encourages you to prioritize your well-being and happiness. It involves accepting yourself—flaws and all—and committing to self-care and authenticity. By fostering a positive relationship with yourself, you can experience growth, resilience, and profound self-love.
Begin to embrace your unique features and cultivate a positive self-image. Advocate for the normalization of body hair, bodily fluids, and menstruation to challenge societal beauty standards.
Ultimately, aging is a privilege.
You are like fine wine, getting better with age!
