Category: Inspiration

  • Shape Magazine Campaign Encourages Women to Share Why They Love Their Shape

    Shape Magazine Campaign Encourages Women to Share Why They Love Their Shape

    …. And I love it. In case you missed it, Shape Magazine recently launched a campaign called #LoveMyShape, encouraging women to share pictures to their social media accounts saying why they love their shape. HECK YES.

    I decided to partake in it, because of course. Because we’re all allowed to (and should) be confident. We’re allowed to feel sexy. For so long, I held myself back from those feelings, or trapped them in, or tried to believe them but maybe didn’t really. But now my mission is helping other people get there and believe it too, and encouraging everyone to share those positive thoughts.

    Let me raise my hand and tell you I have my off days – nobody is perfect. But when you’re feelin’ yourself (which hopefully is more than not), it’s not a crime. I hope you read this post, scroll the photos people are posting on Instagram, and feel that confidence you should feel.

    So have at it, y’all. And post your own pic of your body and why you love it! I’m so proud to be a part of it, and I’m so proud publications like Shape are taking note of how important it is for women to cherish their amazing bodies.

    My post: I’ve been tormented from pretty much day one about my body – about needing to lose weight, being too big, whatever it is, from literally everyone in all different stages of life. It consumed my thoughts too much and for too long, and I started my blog (@thecurveconfessions) almost a year ago when I started to shift my mentality about myself and my body, and hoped to shed light on the many issues on this topic around us (i.e., body shaming). I love this campaign and I’m proud to say I #LoveMyShape because it is curvesssss galore. I used to be kind of embarrassed of my chest, and didn’t want to show it off. Now I’m like, f it, I look gooooood. I also love my legs – they make me feel strong. But most importantly, I love how my shape makes me different. Nobody else has it – and that is a gift. It allows me to exercise, get around, and feel sexy. It’s amazing, and I can’t wait to keep reading these posts to find out why women everywhere love theirs. @shape 

  • Ladies, it ain’t easy being independent (but here’s how to make it better)

    Ladies, it ain’t easy being independent (but here’s how to make it better)

    Becoming happy and comfortable on my own has been a huge focus of mine this past year. While I’ve been pretty independent my whole life, I’ve pretty much always focused on being around people and finding my next opportunity to do so – not always focusing on or enjoying my time alone. While wanting to be around people is definitely a good thing – it’s also important to learn to be happy on your own. And this doesn’t just mean finding things to do when by yourself (which sounds obvious), but learning how to love and embrace it (and seeking out the time to do so, just like you do with friends).

    As I was writing this, I was sitting on the lakefront and taking in the beautiful scenery, and it was peaceful and amazing.  Looking around, I saw couples everywhere, groups of friends running, and then there was me – walking with my coffee in hand (naturally) and headphones blasting. While there’s obviously nothing wrong with that, I have to admit that I still have moments every once in a while where I get a little anxious – what should I be doing? What’s my plan? Where am I going? That’s partly my personality of not really having a plan (which is great in many respects), but also a part of life that gives me anxiety. But it’s also just a part of being alone, and part of the whole journey.

    I love being spontaneous, and doing so brings me many adventures in life. But many of my adventures can also be solo treks where I don’t know my destination half the time.  It could be brunch or scheduled plans with friends, but some Sunday’s, it’s an open day and may involve a whole lot of me time. I stay pretty busy, but I do find myself in solo situations quite often, and I’ve learned to love it. Independence is a beautiful thing – and it’s an important thing to embrace.

    But let me be the first to tell you, it’s not always easy. I think we’ve all been there, where we feel weird, bored, unsure, or whatever it is while alone, but it really doesn’t have to feel like this. This past year, here are a few things I’ve focused on to start enjoying my alone time more than ever:

    • Do things alone that make you feel good. For me, that can be writing, cleaning, exercising, etc., but this could be a whole range of things. It may sound obvious, but sometimes we forget to focus on ourselves when we’re alone and don’t really stop to think what would make us happy in the moment. Whatever it is, find a way to do it. (Something that really helped me with this was a happiness journal I bought from Paper Source; it has been life changing to really dig deep into what really makes me happy/unhappy in life.)
    • Have fun with it. This may not come as a shock to people, but sometimes I just put music on and dance in my room, alone. Yes, no one else is in the room and it may sound weird, but it’s seriously so liberating and fun. If you can have fun on your own, it’s only going to make you continue to love your independent time, which can also help you to find love for yourself. Then, being alone becomes less of a chore and more of something you’re excited about.
    • Do things that scare you. Sometimes the moments of heightened anxiety help you learn the most. So try a new coffee shop, volunteer at an organization, join a random sports league, go to movies alone; do things that are out of your typical wheelhouse, and I promise it will be a good learning experience and ultimately help in your journey.

    Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love being around people and think that’s where I thrive most. But being okay and comfortable when it’s just me, no matter the situation, that’s when I’ve really discovered myself, and found happiness and self love.

    So take some time this week to yourself – however that is, whether it’s taking a bath for an hour with no phone, or going on a long walk and listening to music (or, my personal favorite, dancing like a fool in your room). Whatever it is, I challenge you to do it because you want to, not because you have to. 🙂

     

  • This Bestie Instagram Account Promoting Body Positivity is Everything 

    This Bestie Instagram Account Promoting Body Positivity is Everything 

    A few months ago, an Australian-based model named Georgia Gibbs posted what she thought was a normal photo of her and her best friend, Kate Wasley, on Instagram. What she soon realized is that commenters would take to Instagram to accuse her of photoshopping the image to make her friend look bigger (okay, people are crazy, right?) and the photo would go viral.

    Shocked at this reaction, the besties did what all badasses do, and created a joint Instagram account promoting body positivity. Their account, Any.body_co, shares photos of them together, or those to serve body positive inspiration, and attempts to remind us that size really doesn’t – or shouldn’t – matter.

    In a short amount of time, the account has blown up, and now has 70K+ followers. I’ve actually been seeing and liking these photos because I thought they send a great message – and once I dug into the story a bit more, I had to share it.

    Here’s my take on it. These girls make a really startling observation that we instinctively compare people to each other, in photos and just in general, and make size such an issue (case in point the original photo that went viral and got nasty comments). But they also make another point – we shouldn’t be. What’s wrong with two best friends having a good time, who happen to be different sizes? Absolutely nothing. And they’re putting that different lens on their photos – one that encourages people to stop comparing the two girls’ bodies next to each other, which is just amazing.

    I can relate to this a lot because my best friend, Lauren, is an extremely fit person. And while it’d be very easy to compare my body to hers, it’d also be silly, because we’re different people and there’s really no reason to. We both have our own journeys when it comes to our bodies, which is important to celebrate, not compare. And similar to Kate and Georgia, my best friend embraces and celebrates my body and encourages my healthy lifestyle and fitness, and I do the same, which is all I can really ask for.

    It’s really easy for people to get stuck comparing ourselves, or comparing others we see, specifically when it comes to size and body image. I challenge you to see people as more than a size, more than a weight, and just see them for who they are. We’re all unique and on our different paths in life for various reasons, and honestly, our sizes and shapes have absolutely nothing to do with that.

    Keep killing it, Georgia and Kate!

    Photo credit: Any.body_co

  • Sports Illustrated’s 2017 Swimsuit Edition Theme is “Size and Body Diversity”

    Sports Illustrated’s 2017 Swimsuit Edition Theme is “Size and Body Diversity”

    So basically, the makings of a perfect Curve Confessions post, am I right?

    You’ve all most likely caught on to my obsession with Ashley Graham by now, which actually all started around the time of last year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. While the magazine has featured the typical, stick thin models in the past, Graham stirred up the pot by being the first size 14+ model featured in the 2016 issue. It’s crazy to me that it took THAT long, but oh well, at least the time has come. And recently, the 2017 shoot wrapped, which features Ashley Graham, among other normal-sized women flaunting their curves on the beach.

    Which brings me to why highlighting this swimsuit issue is important:

    1. The amazing and diverse representation of women in this issue and their inspiring messages

    Hunter McGrady, another “curvy” model, was featured in this issue and had some majorly inspiring words. She basically dedicated this shoot to “any woman who has ever felt uncomfortable or insecure because of certain body issues,” and it’s just so great. She’s a normal looking girl with curves, why the hell shouldn’t she be featured? She’s gorgeous, and her message alone to women accepting themselves should land her a spot (and also normalizes the fact that you don’t have to be size 2 to rock a swimsuit). I only hope to see more body diversity as these issues continue in the coming years, but this is surely a great start.
    2. Aly Raisman’s real comments about body image that we all need to remember

    Aly Raisman was also among the models featured in the issue, along with Simone Biles, and during a People interview she got candid in saying she’s struggled with body image issues in the past (and still isn’t perfect). While we all may gawk over her body and how great it is, that doesn’t mean she’s never had insecurities. I know we all may look at these celebrities and go, “wow, they’re perfect,” but like I always say, we have to remember they’re real people too. Aly admitting her past (and even present) issues makes her super real in my book, and I’m excited to see more celebrities owning up to this (which in the end, helps us all realize it’s normal).

    3. This video of Kate Upton and fellow models discussing body image (which gave me so many feels)

    Hailey Clauson, Sailor Brinkley Cook, and Aly Raisman sit down with Kate Upton to discuss all things body image, and it’s amazing. I know, eye roll, models and an Olympic gymnast talking about their struggles – but seriously, it made me feel like they’re so normal and go through the same struggles we all do. The biggest thing I took away was comparisons – and how they do nothing but sabotage you. Comparing yourself to a model, a former weight you were at, your friends, or anyone else is just wasted time and effort. Focusing on loving and accepting yourself is what it’s all about. If you have time, watch it! I found it super inspirational and real.

    All in all, while you may not be a fan of the swimsuit issue or care about it, I think it’s important to. Mainly because the media is finally starting to recognize and praise women of diverse sizes. And it makes me so happy for women everywhere, because it’s helping us to all support each other more, and accept that we’re all not going to look a cookie cutter way, but we can still be happy. So thanks to Sports Illustrated for making this issue all around “Size and Body Diversity,” because it’s about dang time. I only hope to see even more body types featured in future issues 🙂

  • Best Quotes on Body Image from 59th Grammy Awards Nominees

    Best Quotes on Body Image from 59th Grammy Awards Nominees

    Tonight, viewers everywhere are tuning in to the 59th Grammy Awards, which will honor the best artists in the music business. I’ve been pretty excited about the Grammys for a while now, and it got me to thinking about the inspiration some of the nominees can serve us all – but around the topic of positive body image. As you watch tonight’s show, catch the highlights on Twitter, or choose to miss it altogether – don’t miss some of my favorite body image quotes from tonight’s stars.

    Coincidentally, these are some of my favorite artists, so naturally they have some pretty inspiring and awesome things to say. 😉 Best of luck to all of the nominees – and I hope these quotes provide some inspiration to you all this Sunday (and everyday)!

    Adele (Nominated for Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, Record of the Year)

    “There’s only one of you, so why would you want to look like anyone else? Why would you want to have the same hair style as everyone else and have the same opinions as everybody else?”

    Beyoncé (Nominated for Album of the Year, Best Urban Contemporary Album, Record of the Year)

    “Your self-worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.”

    “The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.”

    “We all have our imperfections. But I’m human, and you know, it’s important to concentrate on other qualities besides outer beauty.”

    Rihanna (Nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album, Record of the Year)

    “You shouldn’t be pressured into trying to be thin by the fashion industry, because they only want models that are like human mannequins…But you have to remember that it’s not practical or possible for an everyday woman to look like that. Being size zero is a career in itself so we shouldn’t try and be like them. It’s not realistic and it’s not healthy.”

    Demi Lovato (Nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album)

    “I realized I’d rather be strong and happy than be what society thinks is thin and perfect and be miserable.”

    “I don’t let anyone’s insecurities, emotions, or opinions bother me. I know that if I am happy, that’s all that matters to me. And it’s okay to be selfish like that sometimes, when it comes to your well-being. Do what makes you happy, and don’t care what others think.”

    Ariana Grande (Nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album)

    “Sigh … tweets, comments, statement like this are not okay. About anyone!!! We live in a day and age where people make it IMPOSSIBLE for women, men, anyone to embrace themselves exactly how they are. Diversity is sexy! Loving yourself is sexy! You know what is NOT sexy? Misogyny, objectifying, labeling, comparing and body shaming!!! Talking about people’s body’s as if they’re on display ASKING for your approval / opinion. THEY ARE NOT!!!! CELEBRATE YOURSELF. CELEBRATE OTHERS. The things that make us different from one another make us BEAUTIFUL. BODY BOUNDARIES. LOVE LOVE LOVE ONLY.”