Proud Female

PART I

Every time I stand in front of a mirror, I seem a little different. I notice my skin… My hair… My figure… And of course my outfit. I always wonder if the style is right for me. I wonder if my figure is feminine enough if it’s sexy enough or appealing enough.

I used to try and conform to society’s expectations. But I realized, that should never be the case, I have learned to love every little thing about myself. Though I notice the imperfections, I have come to see how every detail of myself blends together and that makes me who I am.

Sometimes I notice every single flaw on my skin. Other times, my skin beams right back at me in flawless beauty… and that’s when I want to take a snap or post so I can appear “picture perfect” and get the likes or comments I want.

But I wonder about these followers. Do they also have days where their skin is all puffed up? Days when makeup is just not enough? Do they also feel that they have to keep up with society’s beauty standards?

I needed to stop feeling less than pretty when I didn’t look like the typical “perfect girl” that’s portrayed in today’s society.

Is there even such a thing as a perfect girl? We need to know that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Our looks are a part of us but should never define us. We are much more than just looks.

I know that I can always wear shape adjusters and Spanx to get that smooth hourglass figure that we’ve been told, men love so much. I could use push-up bras to achieve the right amount of lift for my breasts too. But why would I do something just because it’s pleasing to men’s eyes? You need to start by doing things for yourself, to make YOURSELF happy. It’s not every woman that has that perfect figure 8 shape, which is why we must learn how to love our bodies.

We accept that age, diet, and pregnancy affects us all. With that in mind, I always try to dress to complement my figure, eating healthy, and stay as active as I can. But if at the end of the day, I notice love handles around my waist, I will smile and still love myself. I will choose to be comfortable in my own skin and do my best to look my best for MYSELF.