sagallimore Let’s talk about Real Women having Real freaking Bodies in here!
I know, I know. I’ve spent so much time laboring about being aware of what you see on social media, how that leads to negative body image, and what potential impacts that could drive. All that is super important and I wanted to set up a good foundation so you can understand why I’m doing this. We are all aware that editing photos to enhance their appeal is a thing! We see it within the mainstream media and is now even more prevalent on social media. The past couple of weeks I have been anxiously waiting to show a side of myself that I’ve never shown before. I am usually the one to work those angle hacks to the best of my ability and I can definitely assure you my camera roll is full of the same outfit captured over and over to get the most instagrammable worthy pic. I debated back and forth whether or not to show such scandalous or not my “best looking” photos but you know what that’s the point. I am so used to putting out the best version of myself that I have been afraid to show the real version. This is not my best looking photo and I’m okay with that. So screw instagram for telling us to only post the good. I’m doing this for my own journey to body acceptance and hope to help others as well. So, I’m gonna flaunt what my body actually looks like vs. using an angle hack.
Here I am. A real woman with a real body:)
Here we have an angle hack on the left! I have sucked in my stomach and squeezed my abs. Now, I can tell you all right now I don’t go around sucking in and flexing my abs on a daily basis. Who wants to do that? First of all it’s uncomfortable and second it’s unrealistic to hold your body in that position. That was simply for the gram! I have also raised the phone a little to capture a more flattering angle giving off the illusion that I have an elongated torso. Ha, I don’t. It’s actually short and I used to be self conscious of that.
On the right, we have what my body looks like on a daily basis. As I am slumped over at my desk on my computer writing this blog, the rolls are flauntin’. This is what my body looks like when I’m not sucking in or clenching my abs. I have rolls because my body has healthy fat. It has been a long road but I finally accepted that phrase: “My body is supposed to have rolls”. Also, check out my thighs. I used to always try to conceal my thicker thighs using whichever angle would make them look the smallest.
Now, I also want to thank the percentage of instagram culture that supports women showing off their true bodies. A small percentage of accounts have moved towards developing body positive content. I have loaded up my personal instagram by following these accounts that help me to fall in love with my 140 pound, cellulite, belly rolls banging body. Ya know why? Because it’s as real as it gets. Being real lays off the burden of feeling like you’re not pretty, skinny, or worthy enough to post freely on social media. I want to be as real as it gets for you guys! Be real with me.
Join the movement towards real women flauntin’ real bodies! Submit your body story here
Thanks to Digital Creator Alex Light and all other body positive accounts, you have given me the confidence to show my true self. If you do not already follow this instagram, I recommend you do so. Her posts have opened me up to new perspectives on body image, the media, and dieting. If you enjoy my posts, you will enjoy her just as much!
