Ladies read this if you need a little self love & body positivity motivation 💜
Unfortunately not that hard to imagine— the inner critic in us often stems from unrealistic expectations we get fed by society, by the media, by people in our lives who compare us or shame us and our bodies… especially as women. And more often than not, it stems from others’ insecurities and projections.
I’ve struggled with body image issues as early as SECOND GRADE- which as a kindergarten teacher, I would never want for any of my students. Between bullying, messages from what I saw on tv, and then dating an abuser, it took a while to start to unlearn.
In fact, back when I weighed 125 lbs, had obliques, and was told I looked like a cadaver, I still thought i wasn’t thin enough or good enough.
Grateful to be learning to love my body in all its forms, shapes, and sizes, through all the seasons because this body has survived, endured, and gotten me through so much. And id much rather nourish and cherish it, than entertain the voices of people who feel better making others feel bad about themselves.
... Read moreGrowing up, the messages we receive about how we should look can deeply affect our confidence and self-worth, especially for women. I can relate to this journey of battling my inner critic and the unrealistic expectations society places on us. One of the hardest parts is recognizing how conditioned we become—brainwashed almost—into thinking our bodies aren’t good enough, as highlighted in the common phrase I encountered: "Imagine how brainwashed conditioned, and traumatized I had to be to think that this body wasn't good enough."
For me, breaking free from those toxic narratives involved a conscious effort to reframe my relationship with my body. It wasn’t an overnight process but a continuous practice of kindness toward myself. Celebrating small wins, like appreciating my body’s strength when I move or acknowledging how it carries me through daily life, helped me start seeing my worth beyond looks.
I also realized how crucial it is to surround yourself with supportive voices and communities that empower rather than diminish. Social media can be a double-edged sword, but following body-positive advocates and engaging with movements like #selflove and #bodypositivity can reinforce healthy perceptions.
Another key step was unlearning the harmful comparisons and judgments passed down from others’ insecurities. Recognizing that many negative comments say more about the speaker than about me was liberating.
My background as a kindergarten teacher gave me a unique perspective on how early these damaging ideas can take root. I am passionate about teaching children to love and accept themselves unconditionally, hoping to foster a future generation free from these pressures.
If you’re struggling with body image or self-love, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to take it one day at a time. Nourish your body, mind, and soul with compassion and patience. Remember, every body is worthy of love and respect—especially your own.