Owning Your Body

It's #OwnYourBodBabe day, y'all (follow the hashtag on social) and in addition to shouting from the rooftops about what we love about ourselves, I have asked a couple of the ladies taking part to impart some of their self love wisdom on us. It's not easy to look in the mirror, see what you perceive as flaws and then be like "but I love it!" and really, every day can't be a love-fest but if we are really committed to loving our bodies for the amazing things they do for us, we can see positive changes in ourselves as well as in the people in our circles!

As someone who has always "struggled" with her weight, it's up to me to change my own mind about how I look. It really isn't about how others view me, it's about how I view myself. I will be the first to tell you how wonderful you look but I won't offer myself the same love. That has started to change as I have been committed to finding positives even when I'm not feeling it. I look in the mirror and I find something that I am happy about, then build on it. Amanda, your hair looks great today or Amanda, your skin is so clear and bright... giving myself compliments, helps me to be more confident in what I have got going on. It's just about consistency!

"My road to body positivity was akin to pretty much any other trek I've taken in life- bumpy and filled with twists and turns, but with a heck of lot of scenic views and beauty to be appreciated along the way, too. And it's a journey I'm still on. There are days I feel like I could carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, and there are days where I feel like I fall short. But the most important thing I try to remember is that it's a journey- a day at a time, step at a time experience that my body, in all its perfections and flaws and beauty and strength, is carrying me on. I am the decisive element on how successful this adventure will be. My body and my mind and my spirit are the vessels that are going to carry me there. And that's a positive, beautiful thing." - Natalie of Wear You are Now

"For me, practicing what I preach is so important. I am a registered nurse that works in a residential treatment center for women with eating disorders. Every day, I educate my patients on gratitude and daily practices to implement that can help one to love and embrace their body. The more I practice this, the better I get at it and the easier it becomes. Yes, I still have body-negative moments. Yes, I still look at pictures and think "Ugh, if only I had ___" BUT, there are plenty of things I really like about myself so when I start to feel upset about my body I bring myself back to all the lessons I teach others and practice them for myself." - Olivia of Style by Liv

"I’ve recently made a promise to myself to spend more time celebrating my body than trying to “fix” it. I really believe our bodies hear everything we say, and feel everything we do. Our positive thoughts, words and action hold so much power." - Elizabeth of On Tap for Today

Do you have any advice on remaining body positive? I'd love to hear it!