Body positivity through a phrase

At the sight of her, even the ground shook.

Now, repeat it after me. And again. And again. Say it until you understand it. Believe it. Cherish it. Use it. Share it. It is a phrase I, often, remind myself at times of self doubt; Usually, during those haunting moments, that I do not like what I see in the mirror, or on my camera. Those terrifying seconds, when you don’t recognize your own self and feel everything is coming crashing down. We are not perfect and we definitely don’t live in an imaculate world. So, why do we strive for an image perfection? What is the reasoning behind us looking for the impossible?

As humans, we tend to try to mimic what we find pleasing to the eye and have a tendency to compare ourselves with things that surround us. Most times, that brings an area of self growth and understanding of the world around the individual. Now, where it all goes wrong, is the fact that sometimes the world around us lies. Social media, magazines are the perfect place to do so. Photoshop has set these standards that, in all honesty, are unreal. So, why do we continue the lie? Why do we decide to ignore it and all agree lighthearted that it happens? Most importantly, WHY DO WE ALLOW THE LIE AND DISHONESTY TO AFFECT US? I used to ask myself, why can I not be like the way I want to? Maybe, if I ate less? Perhaps, that is my demon to deal with in life. Looking back to my life, before I realized my worth, I have one question. Why didn’t I just scare my demon away from my life? I let it linger and it brought with it, its buddy, the mister-twisted view of my body image, who just approached me, came to my mind uninvited and didn’t leave, until I kicked him out.

Body image struggle is an area that hits home for many of us. I don’t believe there isn’t anyone among us that doesn’t point out something particular about their bodies and wishes it was different. Personally, my body image used to frighten me. It used to be this weight that was so heavy on my chest, that I believed it was weighing me down and I couldn’t get up. I couldn’t stand tall nor had any desire to show the world who I am and what I am capable of. My shell was made and even though I greeted you with a smile, there was so much more hiding underneath. With the years, I fought back. I found my voice. I wanted to be heard. I wanted to be noticed. The only good outcome that came out of my body image struggle, is that I went through it, I came out a winner and I am given the chance to talk about it. Share my side of the story. Show the world that you are so much more than skin, bones, stretch marks and fat. I can share now that there is a power from within, a burning sensation that is undying and will swallow every small remnant of fear and shyness; and all this time, I had that little phrase lighting a small part of my path.

That is why I love this saying. I cannot tell you, where I first saw it, or if I thought of it myself, because I have been using it for so long (if you do, please give me the source). But, when I think of the phrase “At the sight of her, the ground shook“, I imagine of a woman, equal to a wild horse; Independent, strong, powerful and not feeling stuck in a corner! A woman that loves herself, stands her ground and is proud of her accomplishments and the person she is. A woman that I strive to be. And you can be, also! You just have to believe in yourself. Unpack those heavy bags of self doubt and walk freely. Because, when you walk with confidence and someone looks at you, the whole world around you shakes from your strength. Own it.

Kallia Manika

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