Society vs. Stretchmarks

Jul 31, 2015

You know what sucks? Stretchmarks. I'm not talking about the actual marks on our bodies, but the whole "what society thinks" about them. It's sad that it has only been recent (like a year or 2) that Stretchmark shaming has been minimal and "accepted". I was not raised to judge others or think of them differently because of their body types. Society always shamed those with flaws and over a size 6. SSSOOOO many ads for creams, lotions, and even surgical procedures to rid of stretchmarks (i see less and less ads for them everyday though!) I found out myself first hand that stretchmarks were ugly, society was right, therefore I felt I was always ugly. I was never going to wear tube tops, crop tops, bikinis, tight clothing, ever again. Society portrayed it just as that, so therefore it is true. Its AMAZING that people have taken a stand and have really turned around the whole negative self image thing. Accepting your body for what it is, loving yourself, not caring what others think, etc, etc. I love seeing plus size women posing in magazines and becoming icons for self acceptance. Because of women like Tess Holliday, Joby Bach, Ashley Graham (just to name a few models), and even a few plus size ladies I know personally, I have grown more confident and less worried about other peoples opinions. However, I am going on 8 years (since first pregnancy) of accepting my stretchmarks. Yes they have lightened up tremendously, but I look in the mirror and think "ew" before "aww, those came from a growing child that I homed, nurtured and gave birth to. Those are my tiger stripes. My battle victory scars."...Hell no, I'm far from it. So if you're a "long time" stretchmark subscriber like me, keep in mind it's ok to feel gross from time to time, but it's NOT ok to dwell on them and let them control you. Its a struggle to accept them, trust me I know. You're not alone in the whole accepting yourself game. But together, we can lift each other up and remind each other that we are in theis together, we all have flaws and it's ok to embrace them. I can't wait for the day where I have enough confidence to not flip out if my shirt rolls up in public, or my tankini isn't long enough. Its a long awaited day that is coming soon, it takes alot of mental and emotional strength to fully understand and show off "confidence". It won't happen overnight. Self acceptance is one of those things that if you want it bad enough, the WORK for it, FIGHT for it and EMBRACE the journey! I sure hope I make sense haha WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER OUR SHAPE, SIZE, WEIGHT, HEIGHT, AMOUNT OF STRETCH MARKS, RACE, and the list goes on!! smile emoticon smile emoticon

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