Flaws and All

I have a confession to make. For years, I struggled with body image issues. Like many women, I constantly focused on my body imperfections. I would pick myself apart.  “How can I cover this?”, “I have to fix that!” , “I need to lose a few pounds.” “I can’t wear something like that because my boobs are too big.” “My hair is too short.” These are just a few of the thoughts that plagued my mind regularly. I never felt truly satisfied with my appearance. It had gotten so bad that I didn’t even believe people when they complimented me. I would say things like “Oh, you’re just being nice” or “I think I look horrible but thank you.” Have you ever done this? In retrospect, I have to admit I was a little cray cray! My insecurities were starting to have an impact on my overall well-being. Then one day, I had an epiphany. I am not a flawed individual, I have a flawed mindset!

I had taken on the ridiculous ideology of a society that is overly obsessed with outward appearance. The American society preys on the insecurities of people and makes a profit from it. Just look at advertisement on TV and in magazines. They are always promoting a solution to a “problem”. Want to go from an A cup to a D cup like the Victoria’s Secret model? Simple, head to the plastic surgeon and get yourself some implants or buy yourself some push up bras. Want flat abs like the woman on the cover of Sports Illustrated? Get liposuction or buy Insanity or P90x. Want fuller lips, try a few Botox injections or a new lip plumping serum. Want a bigger booty, buy some padded underwear or get fat injections in your derriere to look like Kim Kardashian or Nicki Minaj. Need to look slimmer in 7 days, get yourself a few weight loss pills and you will be 10 lbs lighter by the weekend. I could go on and on but I’m sure you get the picture.  Looking back on this, I can’t believe how blind I was. Like a naive little school girl, I fell for the hoax. After making this realization, I knew I had to change my mindset.

One Bible scripture helped me love myself more and really improved my self-esteem. Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. I love reciting this scripture. It affirms that I am beautiful no matter my size, no matter my shape, no matter what my hair looks like, and no matter what I am wearing. I thank God for making me unique. I love every fiber of my being.

He made us all perfect in His sight. It doesn’t matter what the world says about me. It only matters how God sees me and how I see myself.  How boring would this world be if we all looked the same anyway?

I  just wanted to reach out to everyone struggling with low self-esteem and body image issues and say that you are beautiful just the way you are. You are more than enough! I would also like to challenge all of my beautiful readers, especially the women, to love yourself, flaws and all. Don’t let this world define you with their skewed definition of beauty. Having a beautiful spirit will make you even more beautiful outwardly. I am also challenging those of you who are beaming with self-confidence to become a role model for those who have yet to discover how gorgeous they are inside and out. 

What are your thoughts about the portrayal of perfect people by the media? Are you over the term “beach body”? Let’s chat about it. 

Hope you all are having a fabulous Monday!