Tips om positiever naar je lichaam te kijken

Knees that are always ugly, stretch marks on buttocks, flabby upper arms, weird feet, an Olga, sausage fingers and above all: being too fat. Name one of these insulting remarks and I can point out at least ten women for each point who have ever publicly put themselves down on this aspect.

At my ode to Vivian, Rianne, Marieke, Miljuschka and you there was quite a bit of feedback, from sweet messages to a few comments. For example, I wrote that I am not a size 36, never was and never will be. A few took this as criticism of being thinner, but I meant exactly what I wrote: that I don’t have that size and probably never will. It’s precisely about being more positive about our own bodies and each other’s, regardless of what size you are or how many rolls or ribs you can count. Accepting bodies, so that a younger generation can learn this from us again. Because let’s let go of the idea that there is a standard ideal image, then there is nothing more to strive for. What a joy it must be when we can go to the beach soon.

Easier said than done, I hear you (and myself) thinking. That’s why I’ve gathered some tips as backup, so that every woman can love her own body a little more every day, regardless of your size, height or knees.

1. Dive into your timeline

In the past, it was magazines, now social media is overflowing with photoshopped ideal images. And the fact that Photoshop is involved says enough. From now on, follow women who reflect reality, it does a lot for your perception. Start with Rianne Meijer.

2. Love your body

Due to my hernia I had to stop exercising and was little active. Each month I could add about a kilo and I was so angry about my body. While I actually needed to be a bit kinder, because how amazing was it that I could walk normally for a quarter of an hour and drive for half an hour? So important: appreciate your body for what it can do and for you.

3. Look in the mirror

By seeing yourself, you get used to your own body. Do a completely naked round in front of the mirror every day and do this without finding anything wrong with your body, it teaches you to accept.

4. Don’t let anyone tell you anything

No one has the right to judge your body as good or not good. Only a doctor can say something about healthy or unhealthy. Stop comparing, don’t listen when people judge and instead give each other compliments. Nothing is as much of a waste as an unspoken compliment.