Sharing Truths

I had a reader tell me that reading the words on Girl Body Pride was much like having her mind read. She used the words “inside of my brain” and “weird” and “wonderful” and I just nodded because I understand. The feeling of being so exposed and the relief and absolute mindfuck that comes with realizing, yes, there is in fact a world full of beautiful broken bits that make up the sum of the whole and suddenly that place inside of our heads doesn’t feel so lonely anymore.

Leslie Marinelli did just that in Friday’s post. She talked about the mean girl in her head and how it was time to kick her out because memories and photos of happiness and laughter on the beach are more important than what you think you look like when you see the photographs after the moment has passed. It’s wonderfully written and has touched so many who have read it because she is honest and real and when you read it you feel like she is inside of your head.

Meanwhile, Leslie is rocking in the fetal position because, OHMYGAWD, you guys now know what’s inside of hers.

See how this works?

It’s because of Leslie’s words that Girl Body Pride readers are talking about sharing their own truth, no longer hiding behind the camera, and not letting their self-perceptions and body image issues be the killjoy that puts the kibosh on picture time when spending time with those we love. And it all sounds so obvious and simple, which is probably why no one figured that anyone else felt the exact same way. 

Remember that little fashion show I was in not too long ago? Remember how incredible I felt strutting across that catwalk?  Because that’s not how I felt when I saw the photos and my ass, hips, thighs, and belly seemingly magnified by the sassy HEY LOOK AT ME golden pencil skirt I had been dressed in.

I felt fat. I felt ugly. I felt like Leslie had somehow tapped inside of my brain when I was reading her words.

I still do.

But that’s not how I felt in the actual moment. Seeing myself after and the emotions it brought did not reflect the truth of the moment. So I hit publish. And now you are being invited to do the same.

Find an old photo with you in it that you love to hate because the memories contained aren’t outshining the size of your ass. Or maybe you’re inspired to snap a few new ones. Do you feel like a million bucks in a certain dress? (Put it on. Take a picture.)

Do you cherish your lazy mornings and your yoga pants snuggling with your little ones? (Show us.)

Have you never allowed your photo to be taken without demanding time to fix your hair and put on some make up? (Say cheese. Leave the lipstick on the sink. Smile.) Focus on how you feel and remember the moment in which you tell yourself that you are beautiful.

Hold on to that feeling when you post your photo on Facebook and tag Girl Body Pride () so we can remind you to step away from the ledge should you doubt yourself after. Just remember sign up for our newsletter because we’re selecting one of our participants for a little something and announcing next week in the next mailing.

Please remember to use the hashtag #JustTheWayWeAre because that’s the kind of beautiful we are, dammit. Let’s continue to build ourselves up until one of us starts to believe it.

This isn’t about motherhood or how our bodies change and it’s not about real women having curves vs. the skinny ideal. This is about loving ourselves. Always.

Just the way we are.

 

 

Pauline Campos contributes to Funny Not Slutty, An Army of Ermas, Owning Pink, and 30 Second Mom. She blogs three times a week (when her Adderall is working, anyway) at Aspiring Mama and is the founder of Girl Body Pride. This post originally appeared on Owning Pink.