Hot or Fat: Society’s Standards

Women are constantly judged based on their appearance. We have recently been lumped into two categories: hot or fat. Now, after resisting the urge to hastily confront every individual who uses this scale, I thought about it and how it reflects on us as women.

Women are constantly trying to morph into something society portrays as beautiful. They go to great, sometimes dangerous, lengths to be satisfied with their appearance. Eating disorders and self-image issues are a real and growing concern. No individual should feel so ashamed or disgusted with themselves that they consider harming themselves. EVERYONE IS BEAUTIFUL! I do not care what society says–everyone is beautiful. Skinny, tall, fat, short, fit, average, heavy–no matter what you look like, you have some beauty inside you that makes you unique! Don’t let anyone take away your confidence.

Here are seven tips to finding your sense of beauty every single day!

1. Tell yourself you are beautiful.

Look in the mirror and repeat after me: “I am beautiful.” Eventually, after repeatedly restating this sentence, you will start to believe it. And once you start seeing it, others will too.

2. Walk around naked for 30 minutes.

This sounds silly and can be extremely awkward, but do it! By walking around naked, you will become familiar with your body and start to be proud of it. You will notice things you didn’t before, and who knows, you might like what you see.

3. Smile.

Smiling brightens everyone’s day! Even if you are having an awful day, smiling will make you feel better. Another bonus: your bright and friendly smile will illuminate others’ moods as well.

4. Stand up straight.

Posture generates confidence! Even if you are lacking in self-esteem, people around you will notice your posture. Eventually, the confidence you pretend to have will become your own.

5. Stop comparing yourself to others.

No one is exactly alike; comparing yourself to others will get you nowhere. You are your own person, so do what makes you feel happy. That is all that matters.

6. Dress up.

Wear clothing you feel comfortable in that also makes you feel confident. If you feel best in a t-shirt and jeans, then rock a t-shirt and jeans! Wear what makes you feel beautiful, because if you feel beautiful and confident it doesn’t matter what others think.

7. Compliment others.

Recognizing the beauty in others, unique or familiar, will help you recognize the beauty in yourself. And once you find the beauty in yourself, you will become unstoppable!

Everyone has something special and amazing about them; sometimes it just takes a while for them to find it. Be patient and don’t give up hope–you will find what makes you beautiful.