Body Image…. What is that?
It’s simple many says, some are amused that there is something
like this and many are intrigued…In lay terms, body image is what you think
about your body when you look in the mirror or in your mind. There are various explanations
for it, lots of articles written about it and in current times the media,
fashion show organizers, models are taking note of it.
I’m going to share my personal experience, learnings, unlearning
and responsibility as an Image consultant, as an
influencer and more importantly as a mother.
Pregnancy is one time where I know most of my friends suffer
from negative self-talk about their body, also talking about their bodies and
weight is a part-time hobby amongst women.
I have had body image issues in my mid 20’s, my confidence was an all-time low and with the birth of my son, my body image went on dipping. People feel they are doing you a favor by telling you about how much weight you have gained, or that you cannot or should not wear a certain outfit, or suggesting exercises and food for weight loss. All this and much more is body shaming if not done with the intent to gain a healthy fit body and not just a skinny one.
When I started out as an Image consultant and started working
with women clients, is when I realized that most of women irrespective of
age suffer from negative body image.
Our self-body image should be a mirror of our thoughts… If you
don’t respect yourselves, if you don’t love yourselves, if you don’t follow a
passion, you will be everything that others want you to be but yourself.
When this self–image is positive you feel positive about your
physical body. Try and appreciate your body. Highlight the part of the body
that you are proud of and camouflage the variation. Dress smartly and wisely.
Our Image depends on how we are groomed. If you keep on the feeling you don’t
look good or you don’t dress smart, the other will sense your dip with
confidence. This new year take a pledge to not be a part of fashion trend
instead using the trend and styles that suit your body, roles & goals in
life.
As Image consultants, influencers and role models for our kids and people around us, it is our responsibility to bring about this change with every life we touch. We work with various people and train people on body shape, on what colors to wear, what styles to invest in. Making them comfortable with their body should be our top priority.