Category: Featured

  • How (I’m Trying to) Practice Body Positivity in Quarantine

    How (I’m Trying to) Practice Body Positivity in Quarantine

    Since coming home a few months ago for what I thought would be a few short weeks with my family has quickly turned into staying put for the foreseeable future—with a scary, unknown situation unfolding in every which way around us. I am lucky enough to have a remote job that is not (currently) affected by this, but I know there are many people in less fortunate situations than me, or even working on the front lines of this pandemic. I absolutely feel for and empathize with everyone in the world fighting their own battles right now, and I can’t say that enough.

    I’ve contemplated what to write on my blog—if anything at all—during this time. And while I can’t provide answers to you on the pandemic, jobs, or anything else for that matter, what I think I can provide is a little realness about my own struggles with my body image during this time and how I’m working on being positive—in hopes it resonates with anyone else out there struggling. It’s fricken’ hard.

    We’ve all heard the jokes (or joked ourselves) about the impact this situation is having on our bodies. We are eating differently than normal—and if you’re like me, more frequently—and we are stressed AF in addition. There is no doubt our bodies can—and will—see fluctuations, and it feels hard not to fixate on that at times. Or at least for me it does.

    In my eyes, I can’t control a lot of things in this situation, but I do have control over how I talk to and treat myself. These are some things I’m trying to focus on in each day:

    1. Saying my positive affirmations aloud everyday. The mornings can sometimes be the worst. I wake up and might think, “Welp, here we go again.” So when I wake up, I’m trying to head straight into my bathroom to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself my positive affirmations, whatever those are. “You are smart, beautiful, and strong.” What do you need to tell yourself everyday? Make a list of whatever it is you need and say it out loud. Every day. I know I always preach about this—but right now, I think doing this for ourselves is more important than ever.
    2. Watching out for negative talk about food, and trying to turn it positive (if I can). Food is one of the things that brings us joy in these days, but there’s no question it’s bringing each one of us a different layer of guilt or shame. How many times have you said something negative about how much you’re eating, or how you’re going to “roll out of quarantine?” Yep, I’m guilty too. But we are in a stressful time and I’m really trying to watch out for this negativity. Instead of focusing on what I’m eating, the amount, whatever it is—why not focus on how grateful I am for positive things in my life right now? Like the fact that I’m home with my family, safe, etc. The food I’m eating or even how I’m spending my days doesn’t need to be a source of negativity. We’re all just doing our best, and we’re more than allowed to eat. I’m trying to stop shaming myself for doing so.
    3. Keeping things on my list every single day that make me happy and bring me joy, even on days when I don’t want to do them. Some days are harder than others. Some days I wake up with a more positive attitude and some days I just don’t. It’s a lonely, isolating feeling, and it’s unknown. I’ve learned that there are many things in my days that do make me happy—exercise (even if most of the time I don’t want to do it), calling friends and family to check in (even though there are seldom updates), writing (now’s a good time for me to finish my novel, right?), and other things that may even change as this goes on. Whatever those things are, I’m trying to constantly evaluate and find small ways to make myself happy in every day, which extends to my body both directly and indirectly. This week it might be TikTok-ing and reading, next week it might be painting—who really knows—but I will continue to look for what gives me joy each day and make my best effort to make it happen.
    4. Skipping stepping on the scale and trying on my jeans. It’s tempting, but focusing on our weight and appearances is the last thing we need to be doing right now (in my humble opinion). We are trying to survive, so we have to forgive ourselves if our goals aren’t on the fast track right now and our jeans are a little snug after all this (darn it, I didn’t even bring jeans home!). As tempting as it is to get caught up in our weight and what we “should” be doing with our bodies, to me it’s more helpful to focus on somehow incorporating movement into my day and staying as mentally positive as I can. My weight has nothing to do with that right now, so I’m trying my best not to let it.

    This list is by no means here to tell you I’m doing all of these perfectly—I’m certainly not. But I am trying to work on them every single day, and thought sharing with you all might resonate with someone out there.

    If you have your own strategies for staying positive during this time, please tell me! I’d love to hear from you.

    Stay safe, healthy, and don’t forget to show yourself the love and care you deserve during these crazy times. I know I’m trying, too!

    XOXO, Kenzie

  • The Curve Confessionals: Kitty

    The Curve Confessionals: Kitty

    About the interview: Kitty and I have been friends forever, and over the years, she’s learned a lot when it comes to caring for her body. In our interview, she talks honestly about her journey to finding a healthy balance in life, including food, fitness, and mental health. Read on for my interview with Kitty to learn more about her journey!

    CC: What’s YOUR body image story?

    K: I feel like having a positive body image is almost completely dependent on where one is mentally. When one is trying to deal with overwhelming stress or anxiety your body gets thrown to the wayside because you just don’t have the energy to care.

    It took me about 23 years to finally begin to care about both my body and my mind. Growing up as a shy and timid Catholic school girl, I was constantly comparing myself to others and wishing I could change so many things about the way I looked, as many adolescent girls do. I would have periods of working out multiple times a day and thinking eating one “big” meal was sufficient. Then once I started to get mentally and physically burnt out, I would eat everything I was depriving myself of before. These irrational thoughts and also lack of knowledge continued into college, which brought along with it the stress and anxiety of trying to make something of yourself while also trying to maintain a social life. For some, this was easy, and it was truly “the best four years of their life.” For me, I felt like I was slowly losing control. I wasn’t taking proper care of either my mind or my body and then I would feel bad about myself, and it would turn into a viscous cycle. The sad thing is, I know if I had eaten healthier or exercised regularly I would have been so much happier.

    Towards my senior year, I began realizing what it meant to work out and feel strong rather than to feel skinny. I began to view food as fuel rather than as calories. I started doing yoga to calm my racing thoughts by focusing on breathing or nailing a pose. I can truly say that starting to live a healthy lifestyle changed my life. Endorphins are a real thing. Exercising (in moderation) has sooo many benefits for not only your physical health, but overall mental well-being. It helps with mood, relieving anxiety, and will give you a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for your body that you might never have felt before. You actually CAN run farther than you thought or you actually ARE able to hold a difficult yoga posture, things you maybe once thought were impossible. Appreciating your body and what it can do will cause you to want to take care of it and I believe a healthy cycle will result.

    CC: If you haven’t always loved your body, how have you worked to get there?

    K: I exercise not only for the endorphins, but also for the satisfaction and appreciation it brings along with it. Honestly, the older I get, the more important my health has become. You’re only given one body so you might as well take care of it.

    CC: What’s one thing you’d say to your younger, middle school aged self if you could go back? Or to younger girls today?

    K: Be accepting of who you are, but strive for good health. As cliché as it sounds, get active! Not only is exercise chemically and biologically good for your brain, but it can also help form friendships and character, which are so important at that age. I’ve met some of my best friends through playing soccer. Even though it might not have been my favorite sport, it got me to be active and social rather than obsessing over stupid middle school stuff.

    CC: What has been your biggest body image victory?

    K: Learning that everything in moderation is okay. It’s been the hardest thing for me to learn to enjoy indulging and not feel bad about it. But if you deprive your body of things you love, how are you supposed to live a happy life?

    This interview is a part of The Curve Confessionals, a new content series on the Curve Confessions featuring other’s body image stories. Want to be interviewed, or know someone who might? Email thecurveconfessions@gmail.com for more details. 

  • The Curve Confessions: A Year in Reflection

    The Curve Confessions: A Year in Reflection

    It’s crazy to think one year ago exactly, after months of preparation (and some nerves), I launched The Curve Confessions – with no idea of what to expect. And now here we are, a year later, and my wildest dreams about the blog have been completely blown out of the water. So I couldn’t help but to capture this past year’s memories, take some cheesy photos, and talk about what’s to come.

    Looking back, I’ve had some major wins that I can’t help but freak out about, like a few of my Instagram posts being recognized by supermodel Denise Bidot (we’re besties now), Ashley Graham liking a comment I left on her Instagram (still trying to get her to become a fan of the CC), and not to mention the countless inspiring and meaningful conversations with friends, family, and those I don’t even know, about the impact my blog is having on them. I probably didn’t do everything that happened this year justice, but let’s just call that the highlight reel – holy smokes.

    But behind all the 32 blog posts, thousands of page views, my (small) band of blog and social media followers, and the countless hours of (fun) work I’ve put into this – what means the most is the overwhelming support I’ve felt. I went out on a limb with this concept, revealed personal stories and hard times, and showed you all my true self through my writing. And to feel like that’s being recognized, even if it’s my small band of followers, is exceeding all expectations I could have ever had.

    When I created the blog, a friend asked me, “What’s one thing you want out of this?” I responded, “Honestly, if it makes a difference in one person’s life and helps them in some way, that’s all I really want.” Fortunately I can come out of this year confident that I’ve achieved this – and that alone keeps me motivated as ever to continue (other than the fact that I friggin love it).

    But the confidence this blog has given me extends even further than that. This past year, I feel like I’ve grown even more in-tune with myself, my body, and find my confidence continually growing. I don’t think I realized how much I’d feel a part of the body image movement when I started this blog – and though I’m no Ashley Graham, I feel like my words have power. And because of that, I’m taking every opportunity I can to promote my message of self love, body positivity, and empowerment. I also now feel like I really embody what I’m saying in my blog – and it’s an exciting feeling to be behind something I feel so strongly about (and have struggled with very personally).

    I’m going to end this sappy post with my goals and thoughts for this next year of The Curve Confessions:

    1. Get Ashley Graham to follow me/like my s*** (don’t mind me, I’ll just be continuing to stalk her this year)

    2. More fashion, please! I’ve been loving the photoshoots I’ve done, and want to show you more of my style. This year, I’m planning to do just that.

    3. Also want to show more of the daily life – what I’m eating, workouts, etc. – a friend suggested this to me and I think it’s a great idea. Though I’m not celeb status (clearly), the blog’s all about a healthy and happy life, so might as well let you all into mine more!

    4. But as much as I know you all love me, I am definitely going to keep it going with The Curve Confessionals! I love hearing other people’s stories and can’t wait to continue interviewing people this year.

    5. YouTube channel or podcasting, anyone? I’ve been noodling on these ideas for a while, and this year might just be the year.

    That’s what I’ve got for now – all of my other ideas will typically come at late hours of the night – and I’ll be sure to write them down in my notebook per usual. 🙂

    Thanks to all of my supporters, near and far, for making this one of the most incredible years of my life. The Curve Confessions has absolutely changed my life for the better, and I can’t wait to keep it going! So much love for all of you. Xoxo

  • Pink’s Powerful Message at the VMAs

    Pink’s Powerful Message at the VMAs

    This weekend, the MTV Video Music Awards hit the stage – artists performed, took home awards, and gave speeches thanking their fans and families for the support. While I watched it mainly as entertainment for my Sunday, one moment in the show stuck out to me (okay, in addition to Demi Lovato’s killer performance), and that was Pink’s acceptance speech after winning the Video Vanguard Award. Not going to lie, her speech got me a little teary eyed and really resonated with me. Here it is if you’ll take a minute to read:

    “I know I don’t have a lot of time, but if I may tell you a quick story. Recently, I was driving my daughter to school and she said to me, out of the blue, ‘Mama?’ I said, ‘Yes, baby?’ She said, ‘I’m the ugliest girl I know.’ And I said, ‘Huh?’ And she was like, ‘Yeah, I look like a boy with long hair.’ And my brain went to, ‘Oh my god, you’re six. Why? Where is this coming from? Who said this? Can I kick a 6-year-old’s ass, like what?’ But I didn’t say anything. Instead I went home and I made a Powerpoint presentation for her. And in that presentation were androgynous rockstars and artists that live their truth, are probably made fun of every day of their life, and carry on, wave their flag and inspire the rest of us. And these are artists like Michael Jackson and David Bowie and Freddie Mercury and Annie Lennox and Prince and Janis Joplin and George Michael, Elton John, so many artists — her eyes glazed over. But then I said, ‘You know, I really want to know why you feel this way about yourself.’ And she said, ‘Well I look like a boy,’ and I said, ‘Well what do you think I look like?’ And she said, ‘Well you’re beautiful.’ And I was like, ‘Well, thanks. But when people make fun of me, that’s what they use. They say I look like a boy or I’m too masculine or I have too many opinions, my body is too strong.’ And I said to her, ‘Do you see me growing my hair?’ She said, ‘No, mama.’ I said, ‘Do you see me changing my body?’ ‘No, mama.’ ‘Do you see me changing the way I present myself to the world?’ ‘No, mama.’ ‘Do you see me selling out arenas all over the world?’ ‘Yes, Mama.’ ‘OK! So, baby girl. We don’t change. We take the gravel and the shell and we make a pearl. And we help other people to change so they can see more kinds of beauty.’ And to all the artists here, I’m so inspired by all of you. Thank you for being your true selves and for lighting the way for us. I’m so inspired by you guys. There’s so much rad shit happening in music. And keep doing it. Keep shining for the rest of us to see. And you, my darling girl, are beautiful, and I love you. Thank you, MTV. This is a really special night. Thank you, Ellen. I couldn’t love you more. Thank you guys. Goodnight.”

    The speech had a few thoughts running through my head. First, it was a major reminder of how much of an impact your childhood has on you, and saddened me to hear her daughter thinking these thoughts so early. I’m not sure what happened to Pink’s daughter for her to say those words, but I’m going to assume it was another kid making fun of her and putting those thoughts in her head (ugh). It’s unfortunate, but it’s been happening for as long as I can remember. And unfortunately, things you start to think about yourself (no matter where they come from) don’t always just go away.

    From the people I’ve had conversations with, the stories I’ve read, there typically seems to be a common theme: these negative thoughts don’t come out of the blue, but they begin early. And that’s why parents (and people in general) need to follow Pink’s lead – by encouraging and fostering people to be nothing but themselves. Kids are super impressionable at young ages – they’re soaking it ALL in. A mean thought a kid in your class had and said about you could be something that carries with you throughout life, what your mom says about her body in front of you could change your views on body image, and that’s just the truth. But it’s important to recognize this not only at a young age, but wherever you are in life. Your words mean something.

    There’s a lot of shit going on in the world (to put it simply) – but Pink’s message of acceptance is one that will always ring true for all of us. What I was reminded of on Sunday was: be kind to others, accept others for who they are, and do the same exact thing for yourself. Thanks for that reminder Pink – you and your daughter keep rockin’ it.

    Photo credit: Pink