Body hate, or just a dislike of certain bits of our body, has been normalised.
Don’t look like the models in magazines, or on social media? You should be ashamed or embarrassed right? Wrong!
As women, worrying about what our tummy, thighs, or breasts look like is a waste of our life and our potential.
That’s why I’m thrilled to see mum of three Taryn Brumfitt receive the country’s highest honour, Australian of the Year.
After posting a photo of herself on social media in her natural, non-photoshopped reality, she has gone on to release two award-winning documentaries.
Her first film, ‘Embrace‘, that inspired people to change the way they think about their bodies, was viewed by more than 45 million people. Her second film, ‘Embrace Kids’, covered areas such as social media, disability, gender identity, representation and diversity.
Brumfitt has also released three bestselling books, and been recognised by international advocacy groups including UN Women, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls and the Geena Davis Institute.
To build a more positive image of your body:
* Focus on being healthy, not thin. Nourish your body with healthy foods that you love and celebrate eating and enjoying these foods.
* Exercise to feel strong and powerful, not because of how it will make you look.
* Use a positive affirmation to increase your love and acceptance of your body. There’s nothing wrong with telling yourself how great you look, or how much you love your legs because they carry you all the places you want to go.
* Avoid social media that promotes body consciousness above all else.
* Reject body shaming in all its forms – in the media, in your circle of friends and colleagues, and in your family.
* Remember you are a role model for other women and girls. Promote being smart, kind, ambitious or fun above having a “perfect” body.