Outfit details: Shoes via Topshop/Cut-Out Midi Dress (similar) via Nasty Gal/ Warby Parker Shades
Time for me to keep it real! I have insecurities despite posting pictures of myself on my blog and social media. Sometimes we amplify things about ourselves that others don’t even notice. That’s why I’m taking time to check myself by actively practicing and embracing body positivity.
I hesitated to post the above photo on Instagram because I thought my belly look big. I was so afraid that people would see my perceived imperfection and judge me. Especially since I talk about yoga and wellness often on my blog and social media. As these thoughts raced through my mind, I realized that I was not practicing self-love…AT ALL. I refuse to be one of those people who doesn’t practice what I preach! So, I posted the picture with the caption “FLAWS & ALL” and was motivated and inspired by all of the positive sentiment that I received.
Yes, it felt amazing to receive compliments and to have friends inquiring about my eating habits because of my “snatched” body (That I harshly critiqued), but I had to take a step back and reflect on the why behind my hesitation to post the image. Why was I so worried about what everyone else thought about how I looked?
Time for a little story time!
I’ve always had a curvy/athletic body. I had boobs in elementary school and a very muscular frame. I still cringe when I think of the day that a little boy called me thunder thighs in 4th grade. I think of how self-conscious it made me to be more developed than my peers at such of a young age, and I refuse to adopt that mindset as a grown woman!
I won’t beat myself up for not being society’s version of “perfect,” and I never want to make others feel the way 10-year-old Margo felt after that boy’s silly judgement of my body. The status quo has never been the bar that I’ve set for myself, and I have to remember the cloudy “truth” that is social media content. Let me keep it 100 with you guys real quick. Not that I’m telling you anything that you don’t already know, but a lot of what I post on this blog and social media is staged. I’m not saying that the content doesn’t come from a place of authenticity because it all does, but you better believe that I spend time doing my makeup and hair, planning the perfect outfit (even for my yoga tutorials) and stalking the weather to make sure my photoshoots have great lighting! It’s work and it’s also not as perfect as it may seem. The struggle is real when it comes to capturing the right shot!
That’s why it’s imperative that I focus on being transparent and honest about the images that I post and they “why” behind them and this blog. Beauty & the Beat is and will always be a place of empowerment, self-love and support for people of all shapes and sizes, and I’m so glad I posted that picture despite my negative self-talk and fear of judgement.
Have you ever been afraid to post a picture or maybe even wear somethingbecause of fear of being judged? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Be bold, fierce and confident in all that you do!
Ciao Bellas,
I think we are our own worst critics. The funny thing is that other people tend not to even notice the things we consider flaws in us. I never saw what you were talking about when I first looked at your picture. After you mentioned it, when I went back to the photo to see what you were talking about, and even then I think you beautiful, your ‘big belly’ is barely even noticeable.
You’re so right, Nicole. Many of the flaws that we see and amplify in ourselves aren’t even on others’ radars. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it. 🙂