Body envy. The green-eyed monster that rears its head in gyms, yoga studios, and social media feeds. For years, workouts were often tinged with comparison. Envy of others’ strength, flexibility, physiques, and progress. Then, I found a workout that shifted my focus inward. That ended the body envy cycle. It wasn’t a specific type of … Read more
Birthmark. A permanent mark on your skin, sometimes noticeable, sometimes subtle, always uniquely yours. For years, I hid mine. Covered it with makeup, strategically positioned clothing, and generally felt self-conscious about this permanent “imperfection.” Then, I decided to stop hiding it. To let it be seen. To own it. The initial feeling was…exposed. Vulnerable. Like … Read more
“Bony knees.” Knobby knees, sharp knees, knees that don’t conform to some smooth, rounded ideal. For years, I felt self-conscious about mine. Felt like they were “unattractive,” “awkward,” and definitely not something to be highlighted. Then, I started to see them differently. To see them not as flaws, but as…unique features. As…edges. Bony knees started … Read more
Thigh gap obsession. The body image myth perpetuated by media and unrealistic beauty standards. For years, I secretly wished for one. Felt like a thigh gap was the ultimate symbol of “thin,” “fit,” and “desirable.” Then, I found a dress that completely shattered that myth. It was a fitted dress, a style I’d previously avoided, … Read more
Sweaty armpits. The ultimate public embarrassment fear. For years, I lived in fear of pit stains. Wore dark colors, avoided raising my arms, and felt a constant low-grade anxiety about sweating in public. Then, one hot summer day, it happened. Sweaty armpits. Visible, undeniable, and in front of a crowd. Panic. But then…acceptance. It was … Read more
“Flat butt.” Pancake butt, no-booty-zone, whatever you call it, it can feel like a lacking asset in a booty-obsessed culture. For years, I felt self-conscious about mine. Felt like it was “unattractive,” “unfeminine,” and definitely not Instagram-worthy. Then, I started to focus on the function of my butt. Strength. Power. The ability to squat, jump, … Read more
Weight worries. The constant background hum of body dissatisfaction. For years, I was fixated on my weight, constantly monitoring the scale, feeling anxious about fluctuations, and generally feeling like I needed to be thinner, lighter, and less…me. Then, one day, a simple compliment from a stranger completely flipped my perspective. I was at a coffee … Read more
Tight jeans. The ultimate test of body confidence, or torture device, depending on your perspective. For years, I avoided them. Convinced they’d highlight every “flaw,” create unflattering bulges, and generally make me feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. Then, I decided to challenge my tight jeans phobia. I bought a pair. And wore them. Outside. The initial … Read more
Gray hair. The dreaded sign of aging, something to be covered up, fought against, and generally avoided at all costs. For years, I religiously dyed my hair, chasing away every hint of gray, feeling like gray hair meant “old,” “unattractive,” and “less vibrant.” Then, I decided to stop fighting it. To let my gray hair … Read more
“Wide hips.” Childbearing hips, thunder thighs, whatever you call them, they can be a source of body image angst, especially in a society that often promotes a slimmer silhouette. For years, I felt self-conscious about mine. Felt like they made me look “bigger,” “less graceful,” and limited my clothing options. Then, I had a moment … Read more