Are body positive photo blogs actually positive? Websites and blogs such as Refinery 29 and iVillage have been abuzz about this issue. Here’s a picture from Curve Appeal, a body-positive blog that allows readers of all shapes and sizes to post pictures of themselves  to celebrate their beauty, showing what “real women” look like, with all of their non-airbrushed curves:

The young woman in the picture comments on her photo as follows:

I’m Kayla, I’m 5’6” and I’m a size 12-14 US. It wasn’t until a year after graduating high school that I realized I’m never going to be a size 4 and honestly, I couldn’t be love my curves more. They make me feel unique and beautiful. I love my hips, butt, and legs. I choose not to weigh myself because I don’t want to know. I wear what I think looks good on me and that’s all I care about.

Here’s another photo from Stop Hating Your Body:

The 18 year old woman in the picture has this to say:

Ever since i got into Middle school i could never accept my body. either i was too fat or what not. I used to be made fun of for my weight, and i struggled a lot with it. I didn’t like wearing bikinis, i didn’t like eating in front of people, i was just embarrassed about my body. I could never accept it till now. I just graduated high school, and when i look at myself in the mirror i see a beautiful person. I mean i am a little curvy, but i accept it now. Many years of fighting my body image, i now realize that my body is beautiful, and i am a strong person. No one can bring me down. I love the way i am. At one point i thought no guys would love me cause the way i look. but guys tell me my body is sexy. and they love it. I was so afraid of myself that i didn’t open up to guys, so i basically blamed them for something i was doing to myself. I LOVE WHO I AM. i am beautiful inside and out. No one is going to change me. respect your body. be healthy and love who you are. If you love yourself and let go of all the negative, then you can accept yourself.

I’m touched and inspired by these womens’ words. I applaud their bravery and willingness to open themselves up, show what they’ve been through and where they are now. Realizing you are struggling with the same issues as others have worked or are working through can make you feel less alone. When I had an eating disorder, part of my treatment was group therapy. Sharing our stories and encouraging each other was a pivotal part of my recovery. Continue reading →