Body Image and Confidence
By: Erin Patterson
My reflection. My mind and eyes instantly go to the flaws, imperfections. I pick every blemish on the surface of my skin hoping they disappear. I suck in and turn my torso to a more flattering pose. I change the part in my hair in hopes to be someone else. I wear oversized clothing to hide my body shape. I think back to that workout video and imagine where I would be if I started it months ago. I think about that candy bar, wishing for the opportunity to go back and eat a salad instead. Body image is a struggle among many. That constant self awareness of yourself and worry about your appearance and what others will think. The main cause of my insecurities all trace back to social media. On all social platforms you see the typical examples of beauty standards. Not too tall, not too short, skinny with curves in the right places, clear face, and perfect hair to name a few. Especially today on TikTok and Instagram, where people go to post their highlight reel, where pictures are posed and edited. But why compare yourself to the 10% of someone else's life you're looking at? The answer, there's no point. “Body confidence doesn't come from trying to achieve the perfect body. It comes from embracing the one you already got,” (unknown). You are not conceited to recognize your own beauty and feel confident in your own skin. All bodies are beautiful in their own way and instead of spending time comparing or picking apart the little things, love your body for what it does for you and embrace your uniqueness.
Erin Patterson is a senior at Linganore. She is a part of the girls soccer and basketball team and is also on the Unified Track and Field Team. Erin is in the National English Honor Society & Mu Alpha Theta and her favorite food is chocolate chip pancakes!