Hey there, sexy bitch! Let's talk about body positivity.
In a world where we're constantly bombarded with images of "perfect" bodies, it can be hard to feel good about our own. Especially when you live in a town like St. George, UT where plastic surgery is common (no shame, I'm a big fan of plastic surgery, but it does cater to societal norms of beauty) and there is a lot of pressure to look perfect (even when you're wearing sweat pants), finding that self-love is not easy.
But body positivity is all about learning to love and appreciate our bodies, no matter their shape or size. We are big advocates for this at CirqueFit. We love to champion all the varying shapes, sizes, and colors of every. single. body.
We reject comparing ourselves to others and embrace observing beauty. Curvy, plus-size, ultra-thin, pear-shaped, round-shaped, stick-shaped — all-shaped! — women can be beautiful, graceful dancers. And it makes me sad that they might not see that beauty in themselves.
But I don't see it in myself either. And that's due to a lot of factors — social media, advertisements, or even just comments from others, be it well-meaning friends and family or people that are just, well, miserable themselves. But it's important to remember that these things don't define us. You, me, and the neighbor next door are so much more than our physical appearance.
So here's the big question: HOW DO WE GET THERE? How do we find that love inside ourselves? The kind that encourages us to look and the mirror and smile rather than critique.
Here are a few tips:
Focus on what your body can do, not just how it looks. Our bodies are incredible machines that allow us to do all kinds of things - walk, dance, hug, create, and, of course...pole dance! Instead of just thinking about your body in terms of how it looks, try to appreciate the aerial dance, burlesque, and chair dance moves it can do. St. George is full of amazing outdoor activities and adventures as well — try them all and appreciate every exciting moment your body gives you in those moments.
Treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Just like you would offer compassion and support to a friend going through a tough time, you can do the same for yourself.
Surround yourself with positive friends as well as friends who will sit patiently while you bitch and moan. Having people around you who are willing to follow your moods and hold your hand — or cheer you on — will make a big difference in your own efforts to accept yourself how you are.
Practice self-care. Taking care of your body is loving your body. Eat nourishing foods, get enough sleep, move your body in ways that make you happy, treat yourself with you-time. Whatever it is, prioritize taking care of yourself.
Strut your stuff! Every now and then, throw on a sexy outfit, a pair of heels, cute pajamas, or whatever makes you feel like hot sauce. Then hit the town and let yourself freely enjoy the way you look, the way you move, and the way people admire you.
Remember, body positivity is a journey, sometimes a long one. I've come so far since I started pole dancing six years ago, but I still have a ways to go. It's not something that happens overnight, and there will be ups and downs along the way. But what has helped me most is making time to move in sexy ways, be present as I move, and build strength so I can do even more things.