Okay, ladies, let’s all take a deep breath before we dive into this sensitive topic. One… Two… Three… Today, I’m going to share ways to challenge and strengthen yourself when you’re not feeling good enough. The advice I share in this episode can help you work through negative thoughts about your look and push toward body positivity.
Shownotes
Current Beauty Standards
- I’m sure you’ve noticed how the media has shown us what’s considered beautiful and what’s not. To be honest, most features on Black women tend to be downplayed in the mass media. Even though they’re just now embracing our body types, they still suggest that straight hair is better or lighter skin is more desirable.
- Either way it goes, it still affects us as Black women. It makes it harder for us to embrace our curves, hair texture, and skin tones.
- Research shows how these effects make us shrink and diminish our magic. A study done by Dove found that only 4% of women worldwide consider themselves beautiful. The study also found that 69% of women of color don’t feel represented in beauty advertisements and feel pressure to change their features to fit current beauty standards.
My Story on Beauty Standards
- I’m going to keep it real with you ladies. For years, I struggled to keep up with beauty standards and didn’t feel as though I was good enough.
- Often, I felt like I would never be. I used to look in the mirror and see nothing but flaws.
- But once I started therapy, I was able to stop punishing myself and move in ways that empowered me despite what beauty standards told me.
- I hope that what I shared in this episode helps you overcome your own insecurities and recognize that you’re beautiful just the way you are.
- Also, please don’t forget to say these affirmations (no matter where you are, say it loud and proud): I AM ENOUGH, I LOOK GOOD, and I LOVE ME.
“Society wasn’t built to celebrate our beauty. From the time we were little girls, we were shown images of what beauty should look like.” – Dr. Kathleen Estimé DNP, PMHNP-BC.
Resources
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