I am so sick of body shaming. I'm sick of fat shaming, skinny shaming, ass shaming, and boob shaming. I'm sick of being people shamed for the color or texture of their skin, for their makeup or their lack of makeup, for their clothing or lack of clothing, for their leg hair and arm hair and pit hair. I'm just sick of it. Don't feel bad about your body – no matter what. These are body truths no woman – no one – should ever be ashamed about. And I am calling out that bullshit.
1 Making Body Decisions That Work for You
You have full body autonomy. Your body is yours. You may choose to stop shaving your legs. You may wear crop tops that show off your stretch marks. GOOD. Keep doing it.
Frequently asked questions
2 Your Weight
Your weight is a number. It's the least interesting thing about you. People have opinions and they will tell you that they are allowed to voice their opinions as they pertain to your body. Sorry for the language, but I say fuck that.
3 You Should Never Worry if Something Jiggles
Never, not once. You are not jelly, jam, or Jello. Your jiggles do not matter. They're nothing to be ashamed about.
4 Or if Your Thighs Don't Have a Gap
Why is a thigh gap suddenly seen as so attainable, anyway? I could drop 50 pounds tomorrow and I'd still never have a thigh gap. And that's okay.
5 … or if They do
It's cool to have a thigh gap, too. Don't shame people who do. Don't assume things about them just because you're up in your emotions. If you feel the need to shame someone else about something, maybe check your own insecurities, first. Think about what's making you lash out.
6 Your Hair is Beautiful Regardless of the Length
I hate that this even has to be pointed out. For the record, your hair is also beautiful regardless of texture or color. It's beautiful if it's kinky, coily, curly, or stick straight. It's beautiful even if it's barely there.
7 The Size of Your Nose
I recently actually saw someone try to insult a girl because of her nose. She turned him down for a date and he called her fat, said she had a big nose, and he didn't want to date a camel anyway. A CAMEL. Large, small, or in between, your nose is perfect. Also, screw that guy.
8 Your Laugh is Beautiful
Maybe you snort when you laugh. Maybe you guffaw. Maybe you chuckle. I don't care. Laughter is gorgeous. Laughing is healthy. Laugh more!
9 Your Feet Are Not Too Big
They're not too small, either. They're just feet. They hold you up. They keep you in touch with the ground.
10 Remember, There Are No Unflattering Photos of You
This one's hard because even I find every picture of myself unflattering. However, you're beautiful. Photos of you are beautiful, too. I promise.
11 Never Compare Your Real Body to a Virtual Body
Or a Photoshopped body. Or a body in the movies. Or a body in magazines. Seriously. I mean, you can't even compare yourself to a photo of Kerry Washington or Chrissy Teigan because even the most beautiful women in the world can't compare to their Photoshopped selves.
12 Flats, Heels, Who Cares? Wear What is Comfortable
Don't let anyone shame you for the shoes you were. That is so damn stupid.
13 To Makeup or Not to Makeup
STOP MAKING PEOPLE FEEL BAD ABOUT THEIR MAKEUP CHOICES! Some women wear lots of makeup. Some women wear a little makeup. Some women wear no makeup. Some boys wear makeup. It doesn't affect your life. If you don't like someone else's cosmetics, don't ever wear your cosmetics the same way. The end!
14 Your Butt is the Perfect Shape No Matter Who Says Otherwise
Your booty is wonderful. You. Your butt, specifically. Give it a squeeze. Give it a hug. Love it. Tell it that it's perfect.
15 Your Boobs Are Ideal, No Matter What Size
Same. Doesn't matter if you're busting out of your bra or rocking an A cup. You've got gorgeous breasts. Yay for your boobs!
16 Your Lips Have the Perfect Amount of Pout
And your smile lights up the world.
17 You're Beautiful, No Matter Who Says Anything else
You hear me? You are beautiful. You are gorgeous. You are wonderful.
Women should never be ashamed of their bodies, and yet we see so much shaming all over the place. Let's make a pact. If only for one day, let's stop the negative talk – not just about other women, but also about ourselves. Join me?
