Body Positivity VS Body Shaming

So there is something that has been weighing on me pretty heavily lately. I know we mainly talk about fashion trends and awesome plus size clothing here but I want to talk to y'all about the difference between Body Positivity and Body Shaming.  I can hear it know: " Well of course they are different... We know that.  Why does this even need to be discussed Sam?"  Because it does.  Yes, there is a difference. Obviously if you are positive about your body typically you wouldn't be shaming it at the same time, right? But does that mean you aren't shaming someone else's body?  If you use the phrase "Only dogs like bones"  when discussing yourself as someone with curves and your worth to be loved (which is a whole other topic) then you are shaming your thinner counterparts. Or if you use the phrase "Real Women"... Stop it. Unless they are a robotic clone all women are real.  We as women need to uplift each regardless of our sizes.  

If you are a larger woman you have encountered at some point mean comments, dirty looks, judgment, etc.  Sometimes we build a wall against those things.  And in doing so can become the thing we hate.  Mean.  Confidence is not mean.  Loving yourself is not mean.  Don't be mean to someone just because they are thin or skinny.  Just like you don't want someone to be mean to you because you are curvy or voluptuous or thick. Those comments about "skinny b******" are mean.  Think about it in reverse.  Don't make yourself feel better by putting someone else down.  You are better than that.  I know you are. All bodies are beautiful. And no body is perfect.  Everyone has an imperfection somewhere. Don't prey on someone else's weakness. There is too much hurt in this world right now. There are too many eating disorders to push someone down that road without knowing it.  Eating disorders of ALL kinds are a problem.  Anorexia, bulimia, and binging are all examples of eating disorders that someone can be dealing with that you may have no idea about. February 22nd-28th is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Be kind and thoughtful before you speak and take the time to read a little more about these disorders and how words can affect them and how YOU can make a difference.  They can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, or size.

Ladies, I want you to love yourselves and each other.  Rock your bodies.  Rock the sexy outfit.  Rock the bold one. Rock this world. Be heard. Be seen. Be you.

And Stay Perfect(ly Imperfect)