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Representation Always Matters

Amy's Love Notes

September 18, 2024

Maybe this was your experience- I was a teen the 90s, truly some of the most formative years in terms of how you view yourself, compare yourself with others, and gauge your attractiveness in response. The problem is when I look back at the “in crowd” of movie and tv stars and models, they look shockingly thin. But this never represented the women and girls around me. This sent the message loud and clear- you don’t measure up. You are not the standard of beauty we want in the world. So, you strive. 

I probably held that standard of beauty in my head until just a few years ago. I remember thinking at 135lbs (my lowest weight, since adulthood) that I was still a little too pudgy. And yes, in case you are wondering- I can tell you my weight at every single stage and age of my life, because I have allowed it to define me. As so many women do. My husband asked me one day- if you could look exactly like you wanted to but the scale read something wild, would you be happy? I wish I could say I was better than this- but my answer was a resounding no!

But this is where I find hope, the younger generation is setting things right, and I love them for it. I could wrap my arms around their neck! That we all possess beauty, and the images in media are now showing a real picture of what women look like. It’s cellulite, and stretch marks, it’s an apron tummy, it’s a fupa and its hip dips and it jiggles and it’s ok. I love seeing all different kinds of women, all different shapes, sizes, weights, and body types being represented and being framed as beautiful, worthy, healthy, and loved. I could cry I love it so much. Show me anything that wiggles and I’m happy and at peace. My husband would agree. 

For decades we have been fed that the beauty standard is a 10% or below body fat. The problem with that is it represents about 1% of the US population. This generation is pushing back with a loud and angry- NO! We won’t accept this anymore! And I am so proud, go girls go! I’m right here pushing with you!!!

As I said last week, I’m still working on my own body issues, but I have a much easier time appreciating someone else’s body “imperfections” than mine. It bees like that sometimes. But I’m always grateful for the women around me that knock those negative ideas I have of myself right out of my head.

We weren’t made to be perfect; we were made to be real. Real is beautiful, in whatever way that means you show up. 
With So Much Love,
Amy

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