The way I see it….after being immersed in trends, advice, tips, medical expert advice, blogger advice, celebrity endorsements, friends, ….If I’m walking this earth I’m trendy and in fashion and I am proud of my body image.

There’s so much out there in ideals, reality and emotional blackmail (“Do THIS everyday or you’re not beautiful.”) But I’ve reached this wonderful place in my life.

My forties.

I, at (nearly 44) female, kiwi / slash live in Australia but Irish/Scottish roots just want to be myself.

Whatever that is.

I’m bringing up two girls. One quite thin, one more solid, like myself. I’m concerned for them growing into the craziness the online world has invented.

My oldest has brought up the word “fat” More a general query than an answer about herself.

I’ve learned to empower her with… “You’re big and strong like your mum.”

I am hoping to be a role model for her and give her empowerment in her figure.

The other will pull on 1/2 mm of skin on her stomach and say “Look.”

I tend to laugh and say “You’ve eaten. We eat. Or we starve and can’t do anything.”

Simple facts given in confident, fun ways, amongst the chaos out there.

They’re All Hypocrites

I’m not opposed to The Kardashians. I’ve watched shows. Kim is a walking fashion shoot who a while ago posed with a model who suffers a skin condition. The model was considered “beautiful” by Kim’s daughter.

Therefore the number 1 Kardashian promoted ”Embracing flaws and thriving with this”

But then went on to launch a range of full body makeup to hide flaws. We may as well wake up, walk into a vat of concealer, step out, set and dare to go out in public.

I feel for the youth of today, with this pressure. It’s got to the point where we people just can’t BE.

Respect Your Body Image

Freckly, moles, rashes, hairy, veins, psoriasis. To name a few.

There’s nothing wrong with the management of these conditions, but making it all disappear is giving unfair messages.

Beauty in body image is embracing yourself and my pet peeve of beauty experts and journalists in this world is.

‘Glitter is out! That’s so yesterday!’

Statements that I don’t agree with. You be who you want to be, in the fashion and style you want.

If you’re walking this earth you’re in style.

So if you love glitter at forty. Love your flare jeans.  Thrive in pink? Then embrace it.

YES, there are trends that generally just evolve. But ultimately don’t let it dictate who you are.

You’ll Never Keep Up With Body Image Trends

The NEW realistic mannequins are in store. Replicas of many body shapes walking around. Yet there’s such an opinion of it. The way I see it. Size 18 wearing fitness gear is great! They are trying to be fit, working out. But some can’t stand this sight, from what I’ve heard out there.

Looking back at oil paintings. Women were fuller figured. Then there’s Twiggy.  Glamazon catwalk models like Elle Macpherson, then Kate Moss (thin again!) Now it’s all in the bum! Curvy and huuuuge backside. What is that?? Crazy monstrosity these celebrities are whacking on themselves. Natural, is one thing but to pass off dieting and Zumba for a size 22 bottom and size 8 waist is just ridiculous. Girls can’t achieve this trend!

Oh look I ate and ate to get a booty and my stomach and neck and arms aren’t keeping up!

Somewhere amongst this, the average girl sitting on the couch in her comfy jammies, squeezing (unadvised!) a spot. Running a hand through greasy fringe….is wondering where she fits in?

Again. YOU are in style. Follow a healthy regime, mostly. Understand and filter through beauty advice, which really is just an opinion and celebrities out to make money. Know that you won’t find the answer to all your problems in a product.

You are fine.

I love my eye make up. That’s me. I’ve dyed my hair dark, because I like a change. I could try a bit more with weight loss but, meh. I like my downtime from a busy life. Doing stomach crunches so I look like I never have birth is just not a priority.  I’m not on a diet of dust and leaves. I’m happier now than my thirties.

But it’s my girls I pray for.  I just want our children to find sanity amongst this nonsense and these conflicting messages.

And live

THEIR

OWN

AUTHENTIC

LIFE.

What are your tips to instil good self body image in your children? Tell us in the comments below.