Freshman 15: Ways to Promote a Body Positive Attitude

One thing that I have noticed as a Journalism student is that the media pushes so many “ideal” body types and if you don’t fit into that category,  you're left wondering where you do fit in. Well, I don’t think that we should have to put ourselves or each other into categories or try to fit within certain "ideals". I know it’s cliché to think that "everybody is special in their own way", but, in some sense, we are. I don’t think there is one kind of beautiful. I think beauty comes from empowerment in ourselves and being able to share it with others. Beauty is building confidence from our special skills. Wither you’re a make-up artist who can turn a face into a work of art or you’re an engineer who does the top knot from 9-5. You can feel empowered and confident in many different ways. But the one thing we should all have in common is that we should promote a “body positive attitude" together.

If you're ever feeling stuck, here are some ways to do that; 

1.  Dish it out. The number one way to promote body positivity is to start complimenting each other. Let that girl with the mad style know she is rocking it today. Let that guy with the cool shoes know that he has great taste.  Shaming or bringing someone else down is never a good look.

2.  Perfectly imperfect. If your thinking about hitting the gym go in there with the attitude that "My body already rocks and it’s pretty hard to improve perfection but hey, I can try."

3.  Social media. Brag book, Insta self gratification, snap - look at me chat. Call it what ever you want, I think it’s okay to do it. Especially when you just bought that cute top that you have had your eye on "for like, ever" and now you're really loving how you look in it. Here's a secret: It’s okay to be happy! Show it off ! Love your skin, love your curves, love your muscles. What ever you got, flaunt it honey, because you only have one bod. As long as you're healthy and happy, go get em!

4.  Maintain your Mantra.  Stop using words like  “ugly” to describe yourself and others. Maintain a positive outlook about yourself. Use words like “beautiful” and “empowering”. Your number one fan should always be you! Build yourself up, a confident and positive outlook is contagious. And on the days when you're not feeling so hot,  it’s okay to talk about it. Expressing yourself is a sign of strength. I believe that you should never be sorry for how you feel. It’s the actions that come from the emotion that you have control over. Plus, if your nice to everyone else when your having a bad day, people will likely be there for you.

5.  Break the stigma. Okay, so studying most forms of media made me realize how incredibly stupid these standards are. I know first hand how unrealistic and cruel these standards can be. I mean, they sell us ideas that a mass amount of people can never achieve, but keep imposing ways for us to modify ourselves. Break the stigma by creating a body positive attitude within yourself and it will be contagious to others. Keep breaking the stigma by creating your own standards of beauty, empowerment and strength. Post those selfies when you're feelin' good. Remember that everyone is beautiful in their own way. Rock what you have, and compliment others when they have it too :)

Read more from Amelia on the Freshman 15 blog!

A Message from Amelia: My Body. My Standards.

"During the times that the CCBR Advocacy Group comes uninvited to our campus, I encourage you to not waiver from what your values and morals are. Please don't ever forget that your body is our own and you create the standards. Not them, not anyone else. Your personal values should not be attacked. I encourage you to continue peacefully protesting, standing up, and using your own voice. The moment I found out that they were here to-day, I could not stop repeating to myself “My Body. My Standards.” I have a very strong sense of pride today when our school, my fellow student leaders, and security services gathered quickly to support our student body."

If you have any questions, concerns or feedback, please email Sheridan College at haveyoursay@sheridancollege.ca  

- Amelia Sher

#ourcampus #mybodymystandards

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