So it's been a while since I've written a blog, but I found some inspiration.
I came across this article which I have posted at least once before, (a year ago according to Timehop), but I still love it and still think it is so, so relevant. I recommend you read this article right now.
http://www.essentialmums.co.nz/mums-life/health/8757837/Passing-on-body-hatred
You see, we don't have to be a mother for this to apply to us; we all know young girls and children who will be looking up to us. I'd love to see a day come where girls, young women and adults don't feel pressured by looks and beauty, but take pride in who they are, what they're like and how wonderfully unique we all are.
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
We can start to make this change right now. I remember when I first started to take notice of my appearance, when I first started to wish I looked different, thinner, prettier. And what is absolutely terrifying is that this was when I was in primary school. I don't think I was even 10 yet. But by who's standards was I judging this? Where did I get the idea that I wasn't good enough?
I was in year 8 when I first started to wear make up, to cover up my flaws and enhance what little good bits I did have, thoughts of my appearance consumed my mind. I don't think I'm alone here when I say I learnt tricks to hide myself. I knew what side of me was least flattering, I sat with my arms folded to cover up my stomach, sometimes I felt so self conscious and worried about what other people would think of me that I felt sick, that I couldn't face leaving home, because I was terrified of the way I looked. Some people might be shocked to read this. I feel terrible writing it! But what is even scarier is that I know for a fact I'm not alone in this. There have been some studies that show girls as young as 5 years old are being affected by issues of self esteem. 5 YEARS OLD. That's ridiculous. And what is even more ridiculous is that we can't seem to grow out of it.
I have a message to all Mums out there;
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE.
You are so loved and you are so beautiful. Mum, your selfless heart is the most beautiful heart I know. Your smile and your laugh are two of my most favourite things because it lets me know you are happy. You being happy makes me happy.
The article put it perfectly,
"We have become our own jailors and we inflict our own punishments for failing to measure up. No one is crueler to us than we are to ourselves."
Mums, you are the most beautiful woman your child will know, when you worry about the way you look, or put yourself down it's saddening to see because you're looking at yourself through the eyes of society. Stop. Look at yourself through the eyes of your child.
And not just mothers but all people everywhere, there are younger people looking up to you! We may not always be aware of it but we have an influence on the younger generations, you are a role model to somebody. I know I can still work on my attitude towards myself, but thinking about how the things I say about myself can influence how others could view themselves too, gives me courage to try and change. That motivates me more than the guilt or shame or discontent that just consumes.
Lastly, just think about some of the things you say about yourself.
I don't need to give examples because most of you will have something spring to mind automatically.
Now, think outside of yourself and think about who you influence. Think about those things you say to yourself and how you'd feel hearing those words come out of the mouth of someone you love; a daughter, a niece, a friend... a 5 year old.
"This madness has to stop... It stops with you, it stops with me and it stops now."
