just as valuable along your journey as you are once you get to your desired destination .
The movement of pretenders ?
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding body positivity and acceptance is that people only engage in it because it ’ s gaining popularity , but not because they really are okay with their size . A lot of people feel that it ’ s just a stepping stone to pacify plus sized women until they lose the weight to get to the much smaller size they ’ ve wanted to be all along . This assumption is usually because of seeing plus sized women proudly proclaiming that they love the skin they ’ re in , and singing the praises of other curvier women , only to later lose significant amounts of weight , a loss that results in a drastic change in appearance . Examples of this type of weight loss are singer Jennifer Hudson , actress / comedian Monique , Star Jones , and even model Ashley Graham , who has been getting a lot of criticism lately for what fans believe is her attempt to get skinnier and cross over from plus size modeling into mainstream .
Body positivity is feeling good about the skin you ’ re in no matter what changes are made . It doesn ’ t mean you won ’ t have crappy days where you feel like nothing fits well . It doesn ’ t mean that you have to feel like the current size and look you have is the end all be all . It ’ s practicing self kindness , and a way to uplift yourself no matter what part of the journey you ’ re on . Body positivity is learning and / or knowing what works for you , and also understanding that maintaining healthy practices is just as important along the journey . It doesn ’ t mean that you have to stay the same weight in order to please anyone that may look up to or admire your confidence . Body positivity doesn ’ t require anyone ’ s approval but your own . If you feel that you need to lose weight to be healthier or remain healthy , then do just that . The only person that has to walk in your shoes is you . If you don ’ t like something about yourself , you are always free to change it if that ’ s what will make you comfortable . Body positivity isn ’ t something that is meant to keep you from evolving . It ’ s to help you progress as you desire . It ’ s loving and accepting yourself at any size , but also loving yourself through any body transformations you choose .
You ’ ll mess up everytime trying to keep everyone else in the world pleased . You have to love yourself for yourself . You have to like what you see in the mirror instead of relying on anyone else to validate you . Trying to keep up with what ’ s popular can be very difficult , because the public opinion changes quickly and often . Loving the skin you ’ re in is much more reliable . How you feel about yourself sets the foundation for what treatment you allow from others . Loving and uplifting that person you see in the mirror is much more important than trying to keep up with society ’ s beauty standards . Body positivity isn ’ t the easiest mindset to achieve , so hold onto it once you do get comfortable , and don ’ t allow anyone to make you feel bad or unworthy of .
Blogger turned author , entrepreneur , and beloved Life Counselor , Karlicia Lewis is a plus size enthusiast affectionately known as a great source of empowerment for women globally . Karlicia has been featured in several publications ( Chic Galleria , Best Self Atlanta , Yahoo , etc .). Her first self help book “ Stop Saying Yes to Mr . No Good ” garnered great reviews and a large fan base . Karlicia also pens blogs “ Sincerely Karlicia ”,” Surviving Single ”, and “ Fashionista Candy ” online , giving her real talk / girlfriend perspectives on everything from current news and fashion , to dating & relationships . Karlicia will be releasing two new books in 2017
Website : www . authorkarlicialewis . com Facebook : www . facebook . com / karlicia . lewis5 Twitter : www . twitter . com / ItsmeKarlicia www . twitter . com / fashionistacndy Instagram : www . instagram . com / authorkarlicialewis “ Stop Saying Yes to Mr . No Good ” can be purchased on Amazon https :// www . amazon . com / Stop-Saying-YES-Mr- Good / dp / 0615833
ABOUT THE AUTHOR