Growing up, I was a pretty skinny kid. And I’m not talking supermodel skinny, no. I’m talking underweight and overly thin. I’ve never had a problem with eating, though. I’ve always loved food. To this day, I still do. And truth be told, I wasn’t even underweight as a child (at least not medically); but that didn’t stop others from making comments about how my waist was "unnaturally skinny" or how someone should “teach me how to eat” (yup, those are some exact words that were thrown at me when I was in middle school). Looking back, I remember feeling pretty horrible about the whole thing. Wondering why I wasn’t voluptuous and curvy, and how I couldn’t wait until I was older to fill in my clothes a bit better.
Fast forward to now, I’m happy to say that I’ve put all of that behind me. There’s some truth to the saying, “the older you get, the less fucks you have to give.” I’ve accepted the fact that my body will never be in the realm of Chrissy Teigen or Scarlett Johansson. But I’m healthy and happy (especially now that I’m not as twiggy as I used to be), and that’s really all that matters. One thing I’ve noticed though (especially with photos and videos of me circling the internet) is that the comments never stop.
Some of them saying I’m still too skinny.
Some of them saying my thighs are too big.
Some of them saying that my knees are too dark.
Some of them asking where my boobs are (I politely told that person that they’re non-existent).
It’s funny that no matter how old you get, there will always be immature people out there that want to criticize you for the way you look.
I’m well aware of the amount of cyberbullying that goes on, and while I try to let that not affect me, it makes me angry to think that there may be others out there affected by the hurtful comments from those cruel and malicious people. Well, as a big “fuck you” to the bullies out there, I wanted to share some things I like to keep in mind when it comes to accepting (and loving) your own body image:
1. Focus on what you do have - instead of what you don’t. I always used to think that I wanted bigger boobs and a smaller nose and thinner cheeks, etc. Then I realized how silly it was to complain about such petty, physical things. There's so much more to a person - to me - than physical attributes. I don't want to be defined by those things alone, so I don't let them.
2. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Whether it's the baggiest pants you own or a dress that barely covers, wear what you want. I can't stress this enough, but wearing what I feel comfortable in always makes me feel more confident.
3. Cut out negativity. Sometimes it can be hard to move past negativity when you're surrounded by negative people. Don't let yourself be influenced by those poisonous thoughts.
4. Stop comparing yourself to others. This is something I struggle with the most. Not going to lie, California is filled with beautiful people. Some of the most beautiful people that I've ever met. It can be difficult to be around that and not feel a bit of envy. Whenever I start to feel that way, I remind myself that there is only one me and I'm the best at doing that - no one else can be/look/act like me like I can.
5. Practice self-acceptance. Whether it's once a day or once a year, take time to remind yourself of all the things you love about you. I believe that there's something wonderful about each and everyone of us - that should be celebrated.
The wonderful world of social media has been an awesome place for me to share my personal style, express my creativity, and rave about my wanderlust, but I’m still a person with insecurities and self-doubts. We all have them, and we all have to deal with them. Hopefully these tips help you babes remember that you’re beautiful and special just the way you are.
xx Audrie
Cardigan: Somedays Lovin // Bikini: Forever 21