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  • The Curve Confessionals: Lauren

    The Curve Confessionals: Lauren

    About the interview: Lauren and I have been best friends for more than a decade, and grew very close on the volleyball court together, which is unfortunately where a lot of body image issues surfaced for her. She’s always been a star athlete with a great body, but past coaches have made her feel like that wasn’t the case, and one year in college was told she wasn’t in good enough shape to get sufficient playing time. We had many long conversations over the phone that year about her struggles, and I could relate to the feeling, but wanted her to know I didn’t agree with them at all. But ultimately, she did lose weight and focused a lot of her life on fitness and health, and continues to be one of the fittest people I know. We’ve kind of shared a bond over our stories around body image (because hers didn’t end there), and continue to support each other, so I’m excited to share her interview and how she found fitness and health in the process of being torn down by others.

    CC: What’s your body image story?

    L: I’ve been told both ‘You’re too big’ and ‘You’re too small’. These experiences have taught me that people are always going to say what they think and their delivery and opinion might not always align with mine. Ultimately what I’ve learned is that it’s my own perception of myself that matters the most.

    CC: How would you describe body image/how has it impacted your life?

    L: Growing up playing competitive volleyball and then playing at the collegiate level, there has always been a huge focus on my body. I would say the main focus was intended to be around how my body allowed me to perform athletically but there were certainly times where how my body looked became the larger focus, compared to how I felt. The women’s volleyball world was extremely competitive in itself. Comparing our bodies to eachother was an added struggle that I think a lot of female athletes can relate to. There were times where I felt great but was told by trainers or coaches that I wasn’t ‘in shape enough’ or ‘needed to improve x’. Those types of things can get to your head as a college girl just working on getting comfortable in your own skin.

    CC: Why is body image/self love/self acceptance important to you?

    L: The journey to self acceptance and positive body image has had it’s ups and downs but has been very rewarding overall. Self love and positive body image affect so many other aspects of my life that it’s very important for me to feel comfortable with myself. I’ve learned that loving yourself and your body is a powerful feeling.

    CC: What has been your biggest body image struggle?

    L: I started learning more about nutrition and healthy eating my junior year of college. I’m pretty type A and when I have a goal to accomplish or become invested in something, I go full force. For me at that time, it was fueling my body as a D1 athlete with healthy foods so that in turn my performance on the court would improve. I started cooking more, eating less crap, drinking less booze, and I was seeing great results. I loved how I felt, looked, and was seeing the results I wanted on the court. I fell into a routine where I became too strict about what I was eating because I felt like I could only eat healthy things- I had worked so hard to achieve my goal and didn’t want to let that slip away. It took a bit for me to realize that food doesn’t always have to be labeled ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Luckily now I’ve found a balance where I’d say I generally eat pretty healthy because I enjoy it and I enjoy how it makes me feel, but I don’t think twice about reaching for the pint of ice cream when I’m craving it (those who are close to me know my addiction to ice cream is pretty real- love you lots Ben and Jerry).

    CC: What has been your biggest body image victory?

    L: I would say the above, finding the balance that I have now has been my biggest win. I think a lot of people can relate to living in our social media focused world today where we see someone post about their workout on instagram or post the salad they ate for lunch and we immediately turn inward and think- well now I feel crappy for not working out today and eating that cookie. I think it’s somewhat of an ongoing challenge to not let that get into your head or focus on others too much.

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

    L: Taking out comparison, training to feel good and not working out ‘because I have to’. Working out for me is 100% the best part of my day. It’s the time of the day where I get to focus on me and tune out anything outside that’s going on. I also do yoga 3-4 times a week and the mental release and reset I get in those 60 minutes has helped me grow as a person. Teaching group fitness classes and becoming a certified personal trainer has impacted me in so many ways as well. It has allowed me to gain confidence by stepping outside of my comfort zone and has taught me that it’s okay to be vulnerable. I think working on self love and positive body image is an ongoing project. I plan on continuing the above and expanding my experience and involvement in the fitness industry.

    CC: Does the media/models/celebrities have an impact on how you see yourself? Any examples? 

    L: I’d say I have less of a focus on celebrities and social media but I do enjoy following females who embrace the idea of being strong, not skinny. There are a lot of really great trainers out there who are embracing all the right things and setting good examples for young females.

    CC: Do you compare yourself to other girls a lot/feel pressure to look a certain way at times? Why do you think you do? 

    L: I think with our world today it’s definitely easy to find yourself comparing your body to others. Social media is a powerful tool but I’ve learned that your own mind can be even more powerful. Yoga has also really helped with letting go of ego and comparison.

    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? 

    L: Know that finding positive self body image and self love is an ongoing process. It’s okay if you don’t feel like you have it down 24/7 365 days a year. But do be cognizant of the process and do your best to take out comparison, focus on yourself and what makes you happy.

    CC: What do you do to love your body? 

    L: I feel my best when I’m active and moving my body somehow. Some days that means an intense HIIT workout and some days that means just going for a walk on the lake. Like I mentioned earlier yoga has led to a lot of self growth and I’ve noticed so many positive changes since making it a part of my regular routine. Teaching fitness classes has also made me love my body more and be more appreciative of all it can do. Being able to help push others past their limits and see their transformations and hard work keeps me motivated.

    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. 

     

  • 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.”