Body Image: A journey toward positive change

Body image can be a challenging subject for many of us. Studies show that approximately 80% of women feel dissatisfied with their bodies. If you've struggled with this at some point in your life, know that you are definitely not alone.

Numerous factors contribute to this widespread body image battle: social media, advertising, movies, photo editing and more. While we may feel limited in our ability to change societal norms (although we can all strive to contribute to positive change), we can shift our focus to what we can control — how we think about our own bodies.

Compassion for Yourself

It’s essential to have compassion for yourself, no matter where you are on your body image journey. Shame, criticism and self-hatred won’t lead to a more positive body image. Often these negative thoughts are our first reaction, and we can get stuck in that mindset. It’s hard to move forward when our perceptions are clouded by negativity, so the first step is to let go of those hurtful thoughts. We must be compassionate not only to our bodies but also to our souls.

The Power of Words

Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that “kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy to the body.” The words we use — both spoken and internal — are incredibly powerful.

Take a moment to reflect: What kind of words do you say or think about your body? Are they kind or critical? I encourage you to speak to your body as you would to a friend. After all, your body has been there for you through everything — breathing, digesting, experiencing the world around you, and so much more.

What if you shifted your words from disgust to gratitude? How might that change your view of your body? Would you feel more motivated to care for it? Believe it or not, the subconscious part of our brains is always listening. Speaking positively about ourselves can lead to genuine feelings of self acceptance. A positive body image starts with our words!

Consider this: What do the people around you hear you say about your body, and how does it impact them? Are we teaching our daughters and friends to love their bodies, or are we feeding their insecurities? I don’t intend to shame anyone — I've been there myself. But recognizing the impact of our words can lead us to be more mindful.

Imagine the positive influence you could have on your daughter or a friend simply by speaking kindly about your own body. You have the power to inspire other women and girls through something as simple as your words.

It’s Okay to Love Your Body and Still Want to Change It

We don’t have to fall into all-or-nothing thinking. Instead, let’s adopt a powerful mental health phrase: “Yes, and…”

For instance, “Yes, I love my body, and there are things I want to work on.”

Having a positive self-image doesn’t mean we abandon our health, fitness, nutrition or skincare goals. In fact, when we love our bodies, we’re often more motivated to take care of them! Think about it: if you love something — be it a pet, a car, or a cherished object — you naturally want to care for it.

The same principle applies to ourselves. When we cultivate a positive self image and appreciate our bodies, we’re more likely to nourish and care for them in meaningful ways.

One practical step is to provide our bodies with the proper fuel they need. Eating nourishing meals and ensuring we get enough protein daily can honor our bodies and promote a healthier body image.

Let’s Move Forward

Body image is a complex and often challenging topic, but remember you are not alone in this journey. By focusing on what we can control — our thoughts and the language we use about our bodies — we can begin to cultivate a more positive relationship with ourselves.

Compassion is crucial. Letting go of negativity and embracing kindness can open the door to genuine acceptance. The words we speak, both to ourselves and in front of others, shape our perceptions and influence those around us, especially young women and girls.

Loving your body doesn’t mean you can’t aspire for change. Instead, it can serve as a strong foundation for it. When we appreciate and care for our bodies, we become motivated to make healthier choices that honor them. By nourishing ourselves properly and fostering a mindset of gratitude, we can create lasting, positive change.

Let’s commit to speaking kindly to ourselves and encouraging one another on this journey toward self-love and body positivity. 

“I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14

Written by our health coach, Sara Campbell.