The Thief of Comparison

     As you can tell, I post most on body confidence. I find that this is where I am most vulnerable, but also most strong. I have found that the view of my body can ruin or propel my productivity. I have found that comparison is the largest trap, that I sometimes don't even plan on wandering in to.

     Today, I wanted to write about overcoming comparison. I write in my personal journal whenever I feel down, and I use that time, to build myself up. After writing for my own eyes, I wanted to share it with you. I believe that vulnerability is the most beautiful thing about someone, because everyone puts on their masks each day. 

     I originally wanted to use my journal as a template for writing this post on comparison. However, as I typed, I found myself scratching out the sentences where I appeared too distressed. I found myself attempting to ice over something that many women struggle with. 

     So I decided to give you my journal entry. An entry that is raw and 100% how I feel and what I struggle with. An entry that shows how I  build myself up when I am down. I hope this helps many women see that they are not alone and are breathtakingly beautiful.

7-16-16

"I've been struggling with comparison still. I know my body isn't how it used to be, but that doesn't mean it isn't absolutely beautiful. Stunning!- A carefully made work of art. Each curve, bump, and scar is unique and flawless. Why have we been taught that a size over 4 is too big?Why do we cringe when we reach for a large top or bottom? Why have we been taught to grab at our hips in disgust? When did it become wrong to not be stick thin or rippling with muscles? When did the true body of a woman become something we fight endlessly against? Why on earth are these thoughts and feelings put into our heads?

I am stunning.

I buy clothes that compliment my personal body type. The size of those clothes do not matter. How well they flatter your specific, incredible, unique body matters.

A pose that one girl looks great doing, may not flatter your body. Just as a pose that shows off your beauty, may not work for them.

I look at how stunning one woman is, and another. Yet, realize that the two look absolutely NOTHING alike. One is blonde, plump lips, skinny body, and a button nose. While the other is a brunette with a healthy fit body, strong legs, and a freckled face. She doesn't have a stomach as flat as the blonde, but I have found myself comparing myself to BOTH, when neither resembles the other whatsoever.

This goes to show that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. There is no "one" universally beautiful girl. Just like waves crashing on the shore is a beautiful sight, so are christmas lights at night. Yet the two are absolutely nothing alike. Someone else's beauty does not diminish yours. Just because one girl's smile is stunning, does not mean yours isn't.

Freckles are breathtaking and enviable, yet most girls with freckles are quick to cover them up with foundation and self hate.

Strong legs are enviable and desired, yet those same girls are googling ways to shrink themselves.

I once was at the gym on the treadmill. I was doing sprint intervals because sprints increases leg mass, rather than long distance running. A girl got on the treadmill right next to me. She was wearing spandex and her legs were so toned and gorgeous! TOTAL CARRIE UNDERWOOD LEGS. However, when I went to fill my water bottle up, I overheard her telling her friend how badly she wants to get rid of "these" while grabbing her thighs.

No woman is satisfied with themselves. It's how we are. In a good way, it helps us improve. However, just remember while you are wishing and working to look like some one else, another girl out there is admiring your beauty and is jealous of you. 

Don't waste time in the comparison trap.

Your life, your body, your beauty is so enviable! AND IT IS ALREADY YOURS. So go live- gratefully and confidently. 

#YouAreWorthy"

How to Survive the Dressing Room

The dressing room is a terrible place to be, let's just be honest. The lighting is horrifying, unless you're in Victoria's Secret because somehow that lighting really does make you look like an angel. Most dressing rooms, however, are lit with a terrible fluorescent glow that magnifies all of our problem areas. AND HOW DARE THERE BE A MIRROR WHERE YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF FROM EVERY ANGLE?! WHO INVENTED THIS?!

Anyways, the dressing room can be a stressing room if you aren't careful. So how do I survive the dressing room?

1. I try to avoid it at all costs.
     If I know an article of clothing is not going to work for me, I do not lie to myself and say that it will to only get horrified in the dressing room. I simply put the skin tight tank back on the rack, and run away.

2. Continue to tell yourself it's the lighting.
    "Wow, I really didn't think this top would look this bad on me." "Oh yeah, wait, it's just the lighting." It is always the lighting, ok?

3. Take in more than one size of the article of clothing.
     This may sound like a no brainer, but I rarely do this and I just end up leaving the store because I'm sad the one size didn't fit. The next size will ladies, and you will look great in it and leave happy. It's just a number.

4. Take pictures and send to your best friends for advice.
     If they are real friends, they'll reassure you that you look fine and normally it will go like this: "Oh my gosh!!!! You look so good in that! YAS buy it now!"  Then buy it and go hug them. Everyone needs a hug after the dressing room experience.

5. Never go shopping if you are on a time crunch.
    If you are planning to enter the dressing room, do not do so during a lunch break or a quick shopping run. A mental breakdown will ensue and you will be depressed for the rest of the day and hungry because you didn't eat during your lunch break, so.

6. IT'S ALWAYS THE CLOTHES FAULT.
     Last but not least, it is never your fault. Duh. Always blame the clothes. When the lady at the desk asks, "Did those work for you?" Simply respond with, "I'm sorry  but these clothes were not adequate enough for my incredible figure and sensational personality." 

Clothes. What even are they?