Love Your Vase = Love Your Body
Hey #HVVgirls! ✨
During this month of August, HVV is celebrating body diversity to spread love and to appreciate each and every one of our differences. We all come in different shapes, sizes and colours. Beautiful isn't a size nor colour either.
A vase has many flaws. There are cracks, bumps, rough edges and uneven surfaces. Yet, they are all beautifully flawed, and there are none alike.
Just like you.
Only you can do you best.
Our body is unique, just like a vase. We may have stretch marks, cellulite, love handles and so many other flaws that we try to hide. But your body deserves unconditional love because that's who you are. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to your body.
For the beginning of this three-part Love Your Vase series, HVV will be sharing some tips on how you can break out of the stigma, grow your confidence and help you see the beauty within you. 🌸
Step 1: Acceptance
As unique individuals, we all have different body structures and metabolisms. Body diversity is a beautiful thing and it's time we learn to embrace our differences and learn that no one will ever be the same nor fit into the same mold that society defines as ideal. Some are born taller, while some are not. It's a genetic trait that we cannot choose to have or discard.
Instead of dwelling on what you don't have, practice self-gratitude and learn to see the wonderful qualities that you already have. Chances are, you are perfect just the way you are.
Step 2: Stop Negativity, Be Positive
It gets boring when everyone looks the same. Stand out, be you, be different and be unique. There's more to life than just how we look like. As soon as we stop stressing about outer appearances, the sooner we get to live our life doing meaningful things, things that truly matter. Take up classes to learn a new skill or perhaps spend your time doing the things you love.
In this age of social media, it's easy to find yourself comparing to the celebrated so-called "perfect" models or influencers that you see online.
I wish I was thin like her.
I wish my skin is perfect like hers.
Stop the negativity.
You are beautiful.
The number of likes on your photos does not define your beauty or self-worth. Instead of always feeling less than perfect, look at smart, intelligent women like Michelle Obama or Malala Yousafzai instead as role models that you can look up to, or aspire to become. I mean come on, intelligence is sexy. 😉
Step 3: Challenge Body Stigma
The female body has always been an advertisement tool, promoting a false sense of ideals into so many women in the world. It's important to challenge this notion by emphasizing that women are more than their bodies or how they look.
The narrow misrepresentation of a women's body in the media can also be unhealthy to your well-being. A body complex has often lead to eating disorders, suicide, depression, or some other unhealthy obsessions due to the feeling of not being 'good enough'.
It's time to stop glorifying one body type only and put an end to the vicious cycle of self-loathing. In reality, the majority of women don't fit into this glorified standard. There are women who may be average or have larger body types, but this does not mean that they are not beautiful. By embracing women of all body types, showing respect, kindness and dignity to every woman out there, we can put a stop to the unhealthy beauty standards and challenge body stigma.
It starts with you to make a difference.
Step 4: Beauty Is Skin Deep
We have all been too focused on trying to be thinner or to look like someone else, and along the way, we've forgotten who we really are. Outer appearances do not define us. Our personality, our quirks, our intelligence, our humour. These are some of the things that make us truly human and beautiful.
To the not so confident you, appearances may have taken a greater value than everything else. However, as we grow older, beauty tends to fade, but your intelligence and mental resilience stays with you as you age gracefully.Your well-being has more importance than just appearances. When you can place greater importance on what your body is capable of doing, you can finally be free from this mindset.