Lisa grew up in a small town surrounded by her large family. She had aunts and cousins on both sides, many of which were women. As she navigated her childhood and adolescence, she watched as her family members would obsess over how they looked and more specially, their weight. This led Lisa to understand that her weight was the most interesting and important thing about her.
Dana grew up in the city with a single mom who worked multiple jobs. She watched as her mom did her very best to balance her work, self-care, and growing Dana. Her mother constantly told her how strong, capable, and brilliant she was. These were the thoughts she went to bed with at night.
Angela loved movies. At night her family, which included her mom, dad, and two brothers would watch a night time movie or show. The women on the shows were diverse in so many ways. Their skin color, weight, height, and outlook all varied. She often noticed who she felt most connected to. She was curious by nature. On social media, she saw many examples of body positivity. It was a constant topic of conversation in her feed. She didn’t always feel amazing, yet she felt comfortable in her body and knew in her heart that she possessed strength and beauty.
These are all various examples of us. Of our stories. The ones we witness and experience that bring us to an understanding of the world and our role in it.
As you look over these stories, which girl do you identify with the most?
While we don’t choose the messaging we receive growing up, we do decide the thoughts we think and the actions we take.
If something from the past needs healing, we have the opportunity to be a “cycle breaker” and look into what it is and how we can process it.
We get to choose how we feel in and about our bodies. And there are so many wonderful resources out there to help us reach our full, amazing potential and realize just how amazing we are – just as we are right here, right now.
If you haven’t heard it yet today, as you read this right now, you are perfect. Nothing needs changing. Whatever phase of life you are in, and how you are working towards your goals, you are seen and you are heard. You are amazing.
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Kristen Donia is a freelance writer living in a tiny house she built in sunny Southern Oregon. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has dedicated her life to studying and writing about empathy, vulnerability and enriching the human experience.