“I’m taking control of my own shape.” – Hannah, played by Lena Dunham in Girls
In the first season of Girls, Hannah (played by Lena Dunham) acknowledge the issue with social shaming when Adam questions her many tattoos. “Truthfully, I gained a bunch of weight very quickly and I felt very out of control of my own body and it was very riot grrl idea, like ‘I’m taking control of my own shape’.” When Adam further questions her about whether she has tried to lose weight, Hannah responds, “No, I have not tried a lot to lose weight because I decided that I was going to have some other concerns in my life.”
As a woman of a certain age, I am not only concerned about my weight and my shape, but I’m concerned about my overall health. I mean, round is a shape, but so is pear and hourglass. Looking good is secondary. Having a healthy relationship with your body should be your priority. Going through menopause has put a few extra pounds around my mid-section, giving me a “soft belly.” Do I wish I had a six pack? No, not really, but I do wish that my soft belly was a little more taut than it currently is now.
There are women out there whose job it is to be or stay thin, or stay a certain size. There are models and celebrities who have lamented about the pressures put on them by Hollywood or by their industry to stay thin or to be a certain size. However, with {role} models like Ashley Graham, Katie H. Willcox, Tara Lynn, Robin Lawley, Candice Huffine, and Denise Bidot, being a woman with curves feels better than being “thin.”
These women definitely take control of their own shape and have not let size define them . They are role models for women, young and old, everywhere who don’t fit the cookie cutter image of what skinny should look like.
Katie H. Willcox founded Healthy is the New Skinny, a social movement that works to challenge the limiting beauty ideal created by the media. “Our goal is to educate and inspire people to choose health and wellness over cultures obsession with being “skinny.” HNS is dedicated to spreading positivity and promoting an all-inclusive idea of health and wellness for women across the world.”
Accepting your body, cellulite and all, can be hard. Even celebrities like Kate Winslet, Kristen Bell, Jennifer Lawrence, and America Ferrera have addressed society’s issues with body image.
Accepting your body, curves and all, doesn’t mean that you can’t be stylish as well. You can dress your curves however you want.
There are some fashion designers that have designed lines for curvier women. The Curvy Fashionista has complied a detailed list of quality plus size designers, including department stores and online retailers.
{ Images borrowed from 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 }
Do you think “healthy is the new skinny?” Do you think that certain industries would go out of business if women just woke up one day and decided that they liked their bodies just the way they were? How are you taking control of your shape?
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
22 Comments
I can relate to this post in others way. I have a bad leg and it makes me really conscious especially when people stare. It’s all about accepting who you are. For weight loss, you can take control and start working on it but for people like me, we just need to accept that there is nothing we can do about it other than to love ourselves.
You’re beautiful just for being you! Keep on smiling!
I love this article so much! It’s right up my alley as a “curvy girl”! Thanks for writing this.
You’re so welcome, Gabbi!
Ahh, I totally feel that healthy is the new skinny! Its so important to love yourself and not push yourself towards what’s only perceived perfection. Great post, love the inspirational quotes!
Thanks! I have to remind myself that being healthy is better that being skinny!
I completely agree with your post. Too many of my friends are body conscious and it’s just not healthy…
I have to remind myself every day that being healthy is better than being skinny. We’ve got to remember to love ourselves!
Yes! So much yes! I’m a bigger girl as well and even though I try to eat healthy and exercise every day I will never be “skinny”. Even when I was really fit I always had a jelly belly, and I used to worry about it a lot. I try to be more focused on health than being a specific size or shape, andI’m much happier now. I love these inspiring quotes and women! Beautiful!
Thanks so much, Natalie! Just know that you are beautiful inside and out. Being happy, no matter what your size or shape, is important!
Body confidence is so important and you can have it no matter what size, I am hoping young girls today are finally getting the message so they don’t have to spend their teen years loathing their bodies. Wonderful pics and article.
Totally agree! And with role models like Ashley Graham and Candice Huffine, hopefully the message will remain strong!
Yes I agree! Healthy is the new skinny. So many different size models are being featured now on runways and I love it!
I also love seeing them on the cover of magazines too! They are great role models!
This is an inspiring post! I love how you featured Ashley Graham and other models they really are sn inspiration.
Thank you! Ashley Graham is one of my favorites, as is Candice Huffine.
Love it! Continue to spread body positivity as we honor our curves! <3
Thank you! I appreciate your support! I will do my best!
Girl power. I can totally relate to this post. Thank you for saying this. Amen.
Absolutely, Valerie! So glad you liked this post!
I needed this. I have always HATED my arms, they are pretty thick, no matter how much I weight. But yes, I need to take control and be more appreciated of my body.
Deimarys, don’t think of your arms as “thick”. Think of them as “strong” because they can pick you up when you’re down and they can help lift up your friends when they need help. They can carry a sick child or hug an elderly grandparent. So yes, appreciate your body – your strong body!