A couple of weeks ago I got to be apart of an awesome project for a fashion editor of College Fashionista, Jaida Brinkley. Jaida was inspired by Jhas and Grace of Lovely n Bored to write an article on body neutrality. Body neutrality is essentially the idea between positivity and body shaming. It's basically saying that it's your body and you can do what you want.
This photo shoot was very empowering. It was all about loving yourself, women supporting each other and girl power. I loved meeting the other girls and hearing their stories and thoughts on body shaming, body positivity and body neutrality during our interviews. This topic is relatable to everyone. We've all experienced at least one of the three topics in our life if not all, especially women.
PERSONAL STORY: (I wasn't going to share this story because I thought it was so silly, but now I feel like I should incase someone can relate or someone needs to hear this. BTW, this isn't me calling anyone out or blasting anyone, just speaking on a recent experience.)
The other day I had a guy send me mean comments on Snap Chat because I wouldn't respond to his inappropriate messages. He tried to shame my body and me as a women, calling me all these different things. Not only had he personally sent me these comments, but he posted them on his Snap Chat story for everyone to see. Thankfully, I know exactly who I am and I am proud of my body so it didn't bother me, but just the fact that there are people out there shaming young woman is sad. I am, however glad that it was me and not another girl who maybe couldn't have handled that. I know that that's just a boy being salty that I wouldn't give him the time of day, but some people really battle with these insecurities don't need that negative energy in their life. No one does.
I can go on an on about this topic, but I'll leave it at this. Let's think about our younger siblings and loved ones in our lives. What kind of example are we leading and raising our younger girls in? What are we teaching our young boys? They are our would's future. The people our future children, and grandchildren are going to encounter. We really need to be kinder to one another and more mindful and intentional of what we say.
As for the article, I don't want to give too much of it away so please head over to College Fashionista to check out the article I was featured in. (I will insert the direct link below.) I got some questions the other week asking what I we were shooting for on Snap Chat and Instagram, so I really just wanted to share what I was working on in this post. I hope this post and the article encourages or enlightens someone! I love you guys!!
“Our bodies have been given to us to live our lives, not define us,” Christine Morgan, the CEO of The Butterfly Foundation, in an interview with ELLE Australia. At the end of the day, it’s not about comparing ourselves to rest of world. It’s about using our bodies in our journeys to living, experiencing, learning, and loving ourselves. - Jaida Smith
Well said!
Be sure to check out the full article at http://www.collegefashionista.com/body-neutrality-self-love-advice/ by Jaida Brinkley. I'd love to hear your thoughts/stories on this topic. Please feel free to comment below, send a DM on Instagram/Facebook or email me if you have any questions or if you want to chat. I love hearing from you guys!!
FEATURED ITEMS I'M WEARING:
Top - The Shop at Melrose
Denim Shorts - Vintage Levis's from The Shop at Melrose
Creative Director - Jaida Brinkley
