Tall and thin yet curvaceous like an hourglass with symmetrical facial features to die for. These characteristics have long been held as the classic ideals of beauty despite the fact that women rarely embody all of them.

A person who is naturally thin may not endure the weathering effect of being told they are fat or ugly but for many, they experience being told that they are too skinny or that they should eat more. It seems it just doesn’t matter what size you are, there’s always going to be judgement. People who are skinny can experience self-loathing as much as someone who is overweight. Fat or thin, people of all shapes and sizes are deeply uncomfortable in their own skin.

The sad truth is men, women and children are bombarded with messages (externally and internally) of being unworthy and unlovable. I spent a long time disliking my body. I could not have children, and I wanted them. I would go to the doctors with hope in my heart. This was a journey of being poked and prodded routinely only to have my hopes shattered. I was angry at my body. Over time I have learned we must own what is ours. Doing so comes part and parcel with being self-aware, transparent and counting your blessings where you have them.

I found a gift in sharing my story with others. When I told my story out loud without shame or fear, I gave others permission to do the same. The more I shared and opened, the more others opened and shared their stories with me. Storytelling creates a community of voices around lived experiences of impaired body image and self-esteem. Through that community, we can collectively heal.

Have a think about a story from your life that could connect you to others. Try writing it down if you like. If you do decide to share it, my advice is to stay with your experience. If you go off on tangents about other people or external events, you can lose that heart connection.

In my heart, I know I am here to shatter the thin ideal and shoot holes in the patriarchal designations of what is and what is not beautiful in our world. I am passionate about helping people to learn how to accept and love themselves, owning who they are.

Let me guide you on your journey to owning the true you.

Let’s talk, contact me at +64 21 028 33107