As I was getting ready for work this morning; I walked by the mirror several times with nothing but my underwear on. After doing this several moments, I paused in front of the mirror. I was intrigued with my body it had a glow to it. I was taking a mental inventory of my assets and curves. I said to myself, “Dam, girl you look good!” I was so proud of my body and all its glory. Even though, I’m turning forty next month and birthed three sons, now young men; I am still fascinated with my figure. Then my mind wondered. How many women actually feel proud of their body? How many women really look in the mirror and recognized the true beauty of their God given temple?
What fascinates me even more is that God designed the anatomy of all women inside and out to be the same. However, each one of our shape, size and personalities are uniquely different. There is true beauty in our differences. On the other hand, the media tells a different story and that story differs depending on the region of the Country you live in. In all cultures there are women who try to live up to those unrealistic expectations. In America, the expectation is to be thin because being any other way is unacceptable. (Thompson et al., 1999) “This proliferation of thin female images has been blamed for rises in eating disorders and general body dissatisfaction in adult women; in one survey, the vast majority of American women wished they could be thinner”.
We need to do something different with our wishes. Like wishing to be healthy and happy. Stop trying to live up to the expectations of others. Set your own pace. We must realize that true beauty lies within. So, that glow that you see when you look in the mirror, that’s your inner beauty. The next time you walk by your mirror naked or in your underwear, pause for a moment. Look at your body and say “Dam, girl you look good!” Why? Because you’re God’s best and he didn’t create no mess!
Good luck!
Shuntai Beaugard, Relationship Coach
References
Thompson, J. K., Heinberg, L. J., Altabe, M., & Tantleff-Dunn, S. (1999). Exacting beauty: Theory, assessment and treatment of body image disturbance. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
