Okay so, I should really be concentrating on getting things sorted for France…BUT there’s a current topic floating around the media that I just have to talk about.
I’m entitling this post ‘self’ because that’s exactly what it’s going to be about.
I was watching Loose Women a month ago now – youthful programme I know (but we all obsess over ‘crappy’ daytime TV anyway) – and they mentioned something…
What would you say to your 15 year old self?
Obviously, they are all “women”: 20s/30s/40s, perhaps even 50s and that means time has passed. Time has an affect on us, as does hindsight.
But this is about appearance.
As someone who struggles with what I believe to be my value and worth, I always question my appearance. I’m not a size 6 supermodel, and I’m happy to not be that way.
The media has a lot to answer for in the promotion of slim women, but at the same time it is our own judgements of other people’s appearances that create this promotion.
Of course, being fat is not healthy and being skinny is not healthy – depending on the factors surrounding your ‘weight’.
Weight and size are two different things. Curvy does not mean fat, and fat does not mean curvy. Skinny does not mean unhealthy or anorexic, and unhealthy or anorexic does not mean skinny.
And then I saw an Instagram post of BBC Woman’s Hour, BBC Radio 4’s programme that gives a real insight into the lives of women, and the topics that affect us and that we want to talk about. It was a video of a variety of snapshots of women in the public eye, all discussing self esteem with the focus on the question:
What advice would you give to your younger self?
So, as you can see, this topic has been following me around…I think it’s time to really address it.
I’m going to begin with answering both of the above questions, as I feel this really needs and honest and truthful depiction of my own self-image.
1.What would you say to your 15 year old self?
Dear 15 y.o. self,
Love yourself. You’re you, and you’re a gem to the world. You’re worth so much more than you will ever imagine. Put your faith and trust in what is higher than the world, and remember that you are called to be in the world not of it.
You’re not fat – get over yourself you’re a size 12 on top, and a 14 on bottom. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. Sure, the girls around you may all be size 6 or 8, but you began puberty at 11, so your body developed quicker – and that’s a natural process so be thankful for it.
2. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Dear younger self,
Have more faith in your abilities. Apply yourself and don’t be afraid to let your talents shine through.
Stop comparing yourself, everyone is unique.
Perspective plays a massive part in our life. The way you view yourself impacts your life, and also has an effect on other people’s lives.
It is not selfish to love yourself.
Love,
Anna
kulayrosas 