LOVE THE SKIN YOU'RE IN!

Body positivity isn't about "accepting your flaws." It means realising you're beautiful, not flawed, just as you are at this very moment.

- CAT PERRY

SINCE THE DAWN of time-and of advertising women have struggled to accept their bodies and have the world outside reciprocate that self-respect. The models of "beauty" have rarely been strong, tough, adventurous, confident women. Yet, times are changing.

The #bodypositive, #selflove, and #selfcare movements we are seeing from sportswear and beauty brands, hashtags, and memes have made embracing yourself a welcome trend. Last year on New Year's Day, Molly Galbraith, co-founder of Girls Gone Strong, posted a photo of herself in a tank top and underwear in her natural element-curves, cellulite, and all-and it sparked an overwhelmingly positive response. To her, feeling flawless doesn't mean you give up #fitgoals; it just means loving yourself in full at this very moment. Here is Galbraith in her own words.

THE FLAWLESS IDEA

"I feel passionately about sharing this photo, and I posted it on New Year's Day because that's when we make all kinds of resolutions about how we want to change our bodies. We resolve to lose 10 kilograms, flatten our bellies, or finally shrink to a size 6.

The craziest part is that for many, these goals aren't even our own! They are practically assigned to us in the womb.

"While there is nothing wrong with setting goals for yourself from a positive place, that's not what most women are doing. In fact, feeling ashamed of their bodies keeps young girls and women from going out for sports, participating in class or work meetings, and applying for schools and jobs that they really want. Our preoccupation with what is 'wrong' with our bodies silences our voices and prevents us from being fully engaged in our own lives. I want women to understand they do not have to subscribe to anyone else's ideals."

STRUGGLE MAKES YOU STRONGER