Body positivity is a distant goal for some people and a way of life for others. There are some people who are just happy with who they are and there are others that need a little nudge to feel better about themselves. It can be disheartening to strive to be positive and have a healthy self-esteem only for others to break your spirit and make you feel less than the amazing person you are. Something as small as an eye-check up and down can make you feel insecure about your weight, what you’re wearing, or your looks in general.

Today, fat girls are paving the way for a more body-positive outlook on life. Ladies like Taryn Brumfitt, Tess Holiday, Jes Baker, and Lyn Chen to name a few. There has been a movement for body positivity that has been changing the way women are viewed and the way we view ourselves. They encourage all people to be more accepting of others and the way they look and how we deliver our opinions. Of course, they disclaim that this type of thinking is personal and is a journey.

It takes work to view yourself as a beautiful, powerful being when society pushes specific beauty standards down our throats at every corner.

So, how can we start ourselves on the path of body positivity? First, own the word fat. The more we use it the more it will lose its negative connotation. Use this exercise for all negative words that can make you feel low and less than human. Like stupid, ugly, slut, lazy and many others that demean us and are not reality. Other steps you can take to accept yourself and to feel comfortable in your body: dress for yourself in what makes you comfortable, journal, be honest with yourself and others, keep pushing, reach goals, learn what your triggers are and practice good self-esteem and good hygiene.

Own the word fat. The more we use it the more it will lose its negative connotation.

Of course, it takes time to change a mindset, but by creating new habits you can become more accepting of yourself and others. By changing your attitude it can change your whole environment. That is a lot of work, but it is worth it. Take a look at some of the women who work every day to be comfortable in their bodies and take a page from their books. Join the body-positive movement and treat yourself don’t cheat yourself.