For the past 10 years or so, I have become intrigued by how women are represented and seen in various cultures. One thing I learned was universal was the un-satisfaction we may have when we see ourselves in the mirror. We find some type of flaw, which can lead to many forms of disorders such as BDD. BDD is a body-image disorder characterized by persistent and intrusive preoccupations with an imagined or slight defect in one’s appearance. In reality, a perceived defect may be only a slight imperfection or non-existent. But for someone with BDD, the flaw is significant and prominent, often causing severe emotional distress and difficulties in daily functioning.
For many years, young women from around the world often find themselves struggling to find something positive about themselves. From what I have noticed, more than usual we tend to notice the negatives, the flaws, the ugly instead of the positive beauty that we have. In the society that we live in today, women are taught from a young age that outer appearance is everything. Yes, outer appearance may play a small part in how we carry ourselves, but real beauty comes from within. Yes, I also know that it may be a bit cliché, but it is the truth. I have asked different women on many different occasions what is that they like most about themselves, surprisingly they had no clue and found themselves struggling to answer the question.
When I think of what represents a woman and her natural beauty is her story. What are her internal struggles? What were her toughest life experiences and what has she done to overcome them? Sometimes those are the same stories that once shared, can inspire, and encourage someone to pick themselves up when they feel down and hopeless to transform into a woman who has all the power in the world to be great, to be the best version of herself. When she becomes the best version of herself, that is when she is happy and ready to conquer her world.
Positive Affirmations are a way to rethink certain things about ourselves. It is a way to turn the negative thoughts we have about ourselves and turn them into positive thoughts. In theory, positive affirmations can be practiced through positive self-talk by saying "I am strong, I am successful, I am beautiful." This method can also be practiced through journal writing as the journaling will challenge your thoughts and help connect with the inner you. When you connect with the inner true self, that's when your true beauty will reflect.
Yvonne
xoxo