Tag: body image

  • 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 🙂

  • How I Feel About Lady Gaga’s Body Shamers

    How I Feel About Lady Gaga’s Body Shamers

    Let’s kick this post off with some positives – Lady Gaga absolutely slayed the half time show last night. She’s so talented, looked amazing, and her songs are fire. Not going to lie, she totally inspired me for those 12 minutes. She’s just a really cool, artistic person and sends a great message (Born This Way, anyone?).

    But how did I know it would somehow get ruined? Because there are still body shamers out there, that’s how. If you caught the performance, Gaga kicked off in a badass body suit, eventually moving into tiny high waisted bottoms and a cute football padded top. And if you somehow missed it, her stomach was showing. Her stomach, need I remind you, is tiny and flat. But naturally, crazy people took to social media and body shamed her.

    Want some sickening examples? One Twitter user said, “I just feel like Gaga’s dough belly should’ve been tucked in better. #jussayin.” Ha, okay dude. Another said, “Am I the only one that peeped Lady Gaga had a muffin top / lil pudge there.” Yep, you are. 

    How do I feel about it? I feel downright disturbed and outraged. First of all, it’s HER body. What gives you ANY right to give your opinion about it? I know she’s a celebrity and performing on a large platform, but I still don’t think it gives anybody the right. I also can’t stand seeing women shaming other women (which is a whole other story).

    I’m so glad to hear her fans, or “Little Monsters,” were defending her on social media; but why should they even have to? Here’s my thought process:

    1. She was dancing around, WHILE singing. Can we please remember the shape you have to be in for that?
    2. Lady Gaga is tiny and in crazy good shape. Calling her fat makes people’s perception of fat really messed up, and probably makes a lot of people feel not great about their own bodies.
    3. I dare any of these people sprawled on their couch to do what she did – in that outfit – and not look like a total ass clown.

    The fact that people think it’s normal/okay to critique her body (or anyone’s for that matter) enrages me in so many ways. It really affects people, and I don’t think a lot of people think that through. Imagine a 13 year-old girl scrolling her Twitter feed and seeing a tweet about Lady Gaga’s “rolls.” Suddenly, rolls are “bad” and make you “fat.” Suddenly, she feels fat. And she may be more likely to call herself fat while getting into a swimsuit this summer, or she may think it’s okay to call someone else fat.

    I may have taken that down a dark path that hopefully won’t happen, but think about it. Think about how everything you say can hurt and affect others, even if it’s not direct feedback to them. Hearing other people critiqued for their figures personally hurts me. I’m not kidding, it’s not something I like to hear – partly because I picture myself or loved ones on the receiving end, and it’s not a good feeling.

    I hope everyone reading this will just stop judging others, and good lord, accept some ROLLS. Because they are reality, and perfectly okay.

    I also hope to be a voice for everyone – everyone who’s been affected by body shamers, who feels affected when stuff like this happens, and who wants this crap to end. The reality of it all is, it’s those people’s problems, not yours, Gaga. So keep slayin’ the game, girl.

  • Why you Need to Drop Everything and Follow Celeste Barber on Instagram

    Why you Need to Drop Everything and Follow Celeste Barber on Instagram

    Wow guys, it’s been a while. The past few weeks have been INSANE (happy 2017?) and I have missed y’all. But I have the perfect post to keep things short and sweet today, so during the next coffee break you have at work – have a read.

    Per the title, no it’s not The Curve Confessions’ Instagram (but def follow that too). This post is actually all about one of the best people on Instagram ever, Celeste Barber. Celeste is an Australian comedian with a killer Instagram account – which in short, parodies celebrity photos (see Celeste’s Instagram here).

    As you’ll see in her feed, she’s got major body confidence, and I think this is something we should all take note of. The Instagram platform can make us all a little overly aware of how “perfect” we look (i.e., finding the right lighting, pose, background, filter), but Celeste’s complete mockery of it all just gets me every time. And not to mention, she reminds us that these celebrity photos can be downright outrageous, and completely unattainable for most of us in real life.

    Which brings me to why I follow her:

    1. We should all take ourselves a little less seriously sometimes
    2. We should all be more REAL/flaunt our bodies proudly

    Thanks for always bringing that much needed humor into my days, Celeste. You make me want to try less (I mean that in the absolute best way possible). 🙂

  • New Year’s Resolutions from the Curves

    New Year’s Resolutions from the Curves

    It’s crazy to think we’re about to have another year under our belts, y’all. But 2017 is upon us, so I know you’ve all been setting your “resolutions” to head into the New Year right.

    I feel very fortunate to say this year has been one of my best yet – and I’m genuinely excited about what the New Year has in store. But quite honestly, looking back, a lot of my past resolutions have revolved around my weight – whether it’s been to “lose weight,” “workout more,” “eat healthier” – or some variation of the three. This year, my list looks a whole lot different, so I want to share it.

    Here are my 2017 resolutions in a nutshell:

    • Wear heels more. Okay, this may sound weird ha, but I’m pretty tall – and I like exhuding that confidence at work (and in general) when I walk in a room with some extra height. Heels also add pizazz to any outfit, which, why wouldn’t I add?! Heels are only going to up my game in 2017, so expect to see more of them!
    • Love & cherish life. Knowing how precious and short life is just makes me want to go out and live it to the fullest everyday, and cherish what I have (yes, this includes my curves!). So this year, I’m going to do just that.
    • Be a better me. This year, I started tutoring at a great organization in the city for economically disadvantaged students, and I absolutely love it. Doing things for others is what it’s all about, so I’m challenging myself to keep doing this kind of good in 2017. I’m also challenging myself to keep treating my mind and body right, keep staying in touch regularly with family and friends, and keeping up with the blog and making you all feel good – which in turn will make me a better me.

    What are your resolutions for 2017? If they have anything to do with losing weight, just know, you look amazing the way you are 🙂

    Thanks for making my blog one of the highlights of my year – I’m excited for what’s to come in 2017!

    XOXO The Curve Confessions

  • The Downfalls of Social Media – and a Lesson Simone Biles Can Teach Us

    The Downfalls of Social Media – and a Lesson Simone Biles Can Teach Us

    When I was young, bullying mainly happened in person, or maybe over a computer on instant messaging. But today, it can happen a lot more places than that – like on social media. I just came across an article about Simone Biles, 19 year old olympic gymnast, who was recently body shamed on Twitter. Let’s not forget that Simone is NINETEEN. It sickens me that anyone has the audacity to make a comment about her body; but also sadly doesn’t surprise me. Thankfully, Simone was so mature with her response to these trolls, and tweeted:

    simone-b

    You all might have seen my post on Aly Raisman, too, and it’s the same type of thing. People judging people – and I’m sick of it. Aly and Simone’s stories are examples that are open to the public, ones that we all have access to; but think about the kid in the lunch room, or the girl on the high school basketball team that no one hears about. These people are being affected too – just silently.

    Simone is a nineteen year old celebrity who has to deal with this scrutiny in the public eye; which has got to be so hard. She’s so brave to put a tweet out like that, but do you think this won’t affect her? People’s comments about her body may stay with her longer than you think. I hope they don’t, but why do we live in a world where some want to put people down? Why does Simone Biles have to feel remorse over her body, or defend it for that matter, just because someone has a problem with it? Why does anyone have a problem with it in the first place? I have so many questions.

    Social media is a part of our every day lives, and we’re all pretty aware of it at this point. Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram – these are all some of the ways we stay in touch with our friends, the world, and what we’re interested in following. But sometimes it becomes too much, and we have to be reminded of the dangerous effects; like studies linking social media usage to poor body image and self esteem, or people being body shamed like Simone. The young kids really worry me most, because they’re at such an impressionable age, and in my opinion seeing way too much.

    Most of us might not be under this spotlight, and are hopefully not getting these types of comments or push back from our audiences, which is good. Thankfully, we’re also likely not the mean people making these comments. But this is a lesson to take a good hard look at your words and how they affect people. We need to stop judging people, and stop hiding behind computer screens and phones.

    We need to go out into the world and get some joy, some fulfillment, heck, give someone a compliment. We all as humans need to support each other, not tear each other down. Social media can be a positive thing; a connection, a way to keep in touch – but the more we’re using it like this, the more it makes me want to stay far away.

    Something that we’ve all experienced with social media is pressure; pressure over the amount of “likes” or positive feedback you’re getting on posts, or comparing yourself to the fitness models you’re seeing on your feeds. We all want to feel accepted for what we post, and we’re all going to run into things we’re slightly jealous of. And on the comparison front, Steve Furtick says it best, “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” So, focusing on social media as a way to feel valued, or as a means of comparison, is not going to get us anywhere.

    In this age of social media, we really need to focus on getting positive reinforcements, having positive moments, etc. out in the world. I don’t know about you all, but getting a genuine hug from someone I haven’t seen in a while, having a drink and a great chat with a friend, giving someone a real time compliment, is SO much more important than getting a bunch of likes on a photo. And like I always say, wishing you were someone else or comparing yourself to others is going to get you nowhere. Being you is enough. We need to remind ourselves of these things in a time where social media seems and feels so important.

    I digress. For real though, Simone Biles’ situation is something we all need to be mindful of. Everything we say to someone (especially publicly) can never be taken back, and can have more negative impact than you may know. And spending too much time on social media, comparing yourself, or measuring your success by the amount of praise (or lack thereof) you’re getting is just not a good way to live.

    So, make an effort in 2017 to stop obsessing over what you’re going to post – how many likes you’re getting – whatever it is (I will be doing it too). Enjoy the company around you, enjoy the little things, and be kind to others.

    And like Simone Biles’ tweet, stay true to yourself. Do YOU – that’s all that matters. Stand up to the bullies, be proud of yourself and your body, and do what you want to do for yourself. Which brings me to one of my favorite quotes: “Be you. Do you. For you.” Don’t do it for anyone else, y’all. ❤