Stop whatever you’re doing right now. It’s time for some real talk. If you’re subscribing to the most common toxic body myths, you’re probably making yourself absolutely miserable. That has to change sooner rather than later. Switching things up is the only way to lead a happier, more confident life.
Here are some things you need to stop believing:
1. “‘Fat’ is a dirty word.”
The f-word has been used as a hate word for far too long. It’s a three-letter word that can pack a serious amount of anger, hatred, and malice. You will know if anyone has ever used the word against you, that it can feel like a sharp punch to the gut.
In that one moment, it can tear you down and make you feel unworthy of love and affection. That has to change. Here’s a secret: ‘fat’ is not a dirty word. You might think that it is, but it’s not at all. Not if you don’t let it be. There are all kinds of body shapes out there – big, small, short, and tall – but none of them define you. Own your body. It’s perfect as it is.
2. “There’s a perfect body shape out there.”
Don’t let beauty magazines fool you. There’s no such thing as a perfect body shape. What’s on trend today (hello, big butts!) might well be out tomorrow. If you spend your time listening to that rhetoric, it’s only going to cause you pain and worry. It’s not worth it.
The truth of it all is that people profit off your insecurity. Yes, there are businesses out there who want you to feel insecure and unhappy with your lot. Why? Should you feel ‘less than,’ there will always be some toxic diet fad out there to guide the way. It’s not healthy and it’s not going to be what makes you happy. Stop subscribing to this idea immediately.
Related: 10 Signs You Are In Desperate Need Of Self Love
3. “Your happiness depends on your body.”
Your happiness does not depend on your body size or shape. It depends on you. Nobody else. You absolutely have to choose to be joyous and thankful every single day. Pinning your feelings on your body shape will only make you feel glum. Every time you hop on the scales, you will feel upset. The fact of the matter is that nothing will ever be enough.
It doesn’t matter what shape or size you are, you will never feel fully content here. Rather than making this seriously toxic mistake, it’s time to turn the tables. Make a promise to yourself that you will be happy no matter what. Whatever happens, you are in control of your feelings and that’s what matters.
4. “You don’t deserve to love yourself.”
Self-love is not something that happens overnight. If you’re constantly beating yourself up and telling yourself that you’re not worthy of love, you’re bullying yourself. You wouldn’t take that kind of nonsense from other people so why on earth do you accept it from yourself? It makes no sense. What’s more, it’s likely causing you pain.
Choosing to love yourself – all of yourself – is one of the most beautiful things you can ever do. Yes, you have flaws. We all do. However, those small things don’t mean that you’re not worthy of anything positive or wonderful. You are. Your flaws make you the person that you are and that is a thing that should be celebrated.
5. “What other people think of you matters.”
Are you still caught up worrying about what others think of you? Okay. Let’s talk. You have zero control over what goes through people’s minds. (Just like they have zero control over what goes through yours. It’s the same deal!) Fretting about what people think is going to get you nowhere fast. It will only make you feel anxious, worried, and stressed out. That’s a whole load of emotion to waste on something you can’t control.
People will judge you. It might not be what you want to hear, but it’s true. Perhaps you’ve judged people in the past too. However, the thing that you need to keep in mind here is that what they think does not affect you. Or, at the very least, it shouldn’t. Staying focused on yourself and loving who you are is the only way to go. You deserve nothing less.
Related: How To Stay Body Positive While Bra Shopping
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