Whether you’ve been big your whole life, or pregnancy and aging eventually weighed you down, you are a magnificent woman who deserves to be happy. In an ideal world, everyone in society would see and appreciate your authentic self beyond your plus-size body. But unfortunately, the world can be cruel to people who are different. If you don’t measure up to society’s beauty standards, there are those who will not let you forget it.
Don’t let them get the better of you, and stand up for your body and yourself. Resist the pressure that threatens to reshape the person you are inside. Instead, nurture and be kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to be happy and fulfilled. If you’re wondering how you can begin to love and be kind to yourself, here are some ways to start.
1. Embrace Your Unique Beauty
One of the first steps toward self-kindness is recognizing and being proud of your unique beauty. Self-acceptance is definitely a challenge in the era of social media, where the ideal body shape and size are glorified more prominently than the average or non-idealized body types. However, as cliché as it sounds, you have to remember that beauty transcends conventional norms, and there’s no one-size-fits-all definition. So, celebrate your individuality, and know that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms.
2. Practice Positive Affirmations
You’ve watched it before—videos of parents teaching their kids positive affirmations before going to school. No matter your age, you can harness the power of positive affirmations to cultivate self-compassion and self-love for yourself. Sometimes, the toxicity in society can bring you down, so you need to constantly remind yourself that you are worthy, you are strong, and you can accomplish things you set your mind on.
3. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is a powerful and practical act of self-kindness. Make time for activities that nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Moreover, listen to what your body is telling you. Do you feel tired? If you do, then, you have to rest and sleep. Are you feeling sick? If your answer is yes, then make sure to visit your doctor. Do you feel overwhelmed and anxious? Again, if you answered affirmatively, then maybe a consultation with a psychiatrist is called for. Also consider having a night out with your friends or going to a spa day to relax and recharge. Remember, you deserve to take care of yourself unapologetically.
4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Building a strong support system is vital for your journey toward self-kindness. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and who love and appreciate you for who you are. Furthermore, create a community of self-love where you can share experiences and grow together. On the other hand, identify toxic influences and set boundaries to protect your well-being.
5. Dress for Yourself, Not Others
Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, and plus-size women have an array of styles to choose from. Whatever you do, dress only for yourself and not to seek validation from others. Moreover, embrace your personal style and wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. After all, your beauty shines through when you wear what you love. So, go ahead and wear those bikinis on the beach and sport figure-hugging cotton leggings when you go to the gym. Let your personality and individual style shine through whatever you’re wearing.
6. Focus on Health, Not Size
Needless to say, you have to shift your focus from size to overall health. It’s important to recognize that health is a multi-dimensional concept, and it’s not solely determined by weight. So, drown out the naysayers and prioritize your health without worrying much about your weight.
Honor your body by engaging in activities that promote your physical well-being. In doing so, it does not mean you want to fit into society’s standards but rather to feel good from the inside out.
7. Challenge Negative Thoughts
Amidst your change of mindset, be aware of negative thought patterns that may arise. Challenge them by questioning their validity and replacing them with positive and empowering affirmations. What’s more, cultivate resilience against body-shaming comments, whether from others or yourself. Keep in mind that you are more than your size, and your worth is not defined by external opinions.
8. Celebrate Your Accomplishments
Your value as a person is not summed up by your physical appearance alone. Recognizing this, you should see to it that you don’t get caught up in social media posts that show off idealized beauty. Instead, celebrate your accomplishments in various areas of life. Along the way, recognize and appreciate your personal growth.
9. Cultivate Self-Love through Hobbies and Passion Projects
Pursue hobbies and passion projects that bring you joy and fulfillment. For instance, if you’ve been wanting to start your own business online, go ahead and hire a web design team to help you fulfill your dream. Do you want to learn a musical instrument or a new language? Enroll in online courses. Are you interested in writing a book? Just grab your laptop and write without criticizing your work.
Engaging in activities you love allows you to focus on your abilities and talents rather than your appearance. So, go on and explore your passions without judgment, and let them be a source of empowerment and self-confidence.
10. Be an Advocate for Body Positivity
Let your journey to self-acceptance and body positivity inspire others to do the same. Spread the message of inclusivity and acceptance, challenging harmful beauty norms along the way. With every step you take towards self-kindness, you contribute to a more accepting and diverse society.
Learning to love and be kind to yourself is a process that takes patience and compassion. With all the trauma brought on by cruel words and lack of understanding, plus-size women need to heal and rise again. Hopefully, this guide on self-kindness will help you embrace your unique beauty and empower you to shine and show the world what you’re capable of.
