Jasmin,
My roommate and all my friends are super skinny. Any advice on how to feel confident when I see no representation for my body type?
These days, no matter how hard you try, it’s hard to not be bombarded by images and media that’ll make you compare yourself to what you’re seeing. When you’re constantly fed an image of what you’re supposed to look like, how you’re supposed to dress, what you’re supposed to eat, how is a person supposed to avoid feeling a certain type of way about themself? If it makes you feel any better, you’re not alone. A lot of people I know, including myself, struggle with their body image.
I’ve always struggled with body dysmorphia. When I was in high school, I was intentionally underweight. I wasn’t diagnosed with anything, but in hindsight, I very clearly had an eating disorder. Even at my thinnest, I wanted to be thinner. Now, I look back and I wonder what the fuck I was talking about.
Coming to Humboldt, I got older, started to find myself and ultimately, as I was growing, my body was growing too. It’s something I wasn’t used to, and honestly, still struggle with. Having to swap out your favorite jeans for new ones isn’t something they really prepare you for, besides the societal fat-shame known as the freshman 15. Even that, however, is said as a word of warning, as if it’s something you can avoid without becoming overly conscious about your body and eating habits.
The only way to be confident in your current body is to accept it and learn to love it. Our bodies are never going to look perfect to us when we’re in the moment. I’ve really had to teach myself to practice not comparing myself to my friends, who often fit the clothes I can’t even squeeze into anymore. I also have to avoid comparing my adult self to my teenage self. I’m turning 22 this year, and I don’t look 16 anymore. That’s okay.
You get older, your jeans fit a little tighter and the world keeps turning.
xoxo,
Jasmin
One Comment
Jasmin, good words, and remember, as a kid, now younger adult, you are still developing…
…just because skin and bones is popular with dumb guys, is not your problem…
…own you, rock what ya got… there is a reason genetic discourse is to be different…
…and do not grow up too quickly, savor the moment to slow down and embrace life only with those who truly have your back in support… let go of all others who would otherwise not be a friend in your best interest…
… don’t expect others to cater to you… you cater to yourself first, and if others accept you, then figure out why because these days, it is not for what you may think…
… if one is morbidly obese or skinny, I’d only offer that good food and exercise is a path of least resistance…
…and don’t fester on love, it takes a long while these days to sift through the flour!