Body Positivity: Where It Helps and Where It Can Harm

You know one thing about this life? Everybody has the body that God gave them, and no matter how it is, it is that same body we go around with, see for me, body positivity is simply about accepting yourself and being proud of who you are. It is about looking in the mirror and saying, “Yes, this is me, and I love me.” That is the real thing behind body positivity.  But let us be honest o , as much as this body positivity movement is good, you know sometimes it carries wahala and join, because not everything that is sweet in the mouth is good for the body. You know I have always liked the idea that no matter your size, shape, or color, you can still be confident, confidence makes a person glow, I have seen people that society calls “too big” or “too small,” and when they walk with their head high, omo, you sef go feel the vibe, Confidence can be very contagious, like you just want to be around them. But here is the flip side of it, body positivity can turn toxic if we use it as an excuse to neglect our health, see for example, if someone is having health challenges, maybe obesity or underweight problems, and instead of seeking help or trying to live healthier, they hide under “I love my body like this.” That one doesn't make sense at all, Body positivity is not supposed to mean we stop caring for ourselves in any way. Like me, I believe that it is good have your body healthy, no matter how it is, If you are slim, make sure that it is healthy slim, if you are thick, make sure your blood pressure, sugar, and everything is very normal, Loving your body also means taking care of it, shey you get? I remember one girl I know back then in school like she always used to say, “I don’t care what people think about my body, I am positive about myself.” And yes, that is a very good attitude,but the same girl goes around eating junk food every day, no exercise, and anytime somebody tries to suggest healthier habits, she will just wave them off like, “Abeg, don’t stress me.” then few months later, she was in and out of the hospital, that is when I realized body positivity without self-care is just empty talk. Another thing that happens is when people start to use body positivity to shame others, I seriously don’t get it at all, Someone chooses to work out, eat clean, or even do surgery for their body, and suddenly they are accused of “not loving themselves enough.” Like, how is that your problem? If someone decides they want to look or feel better in their own skin, that is also body positivity, because loving yourself sometimes means changing for the better. Body positivity should not turn into “my way or nothing.” Because truth be told, everybody get right to decide how they want their body to look and feel. So for me, the balance is clear, love your body, yes, but also take care of it, do not allow society’s pressure to define you, but at the same time, do not deceive yourself too, If your health is at risk, do not cover it up with “I love myself.” Loving yourself means doing the hard things too, exercising when you are lazy, eating better even when suya and shawarma are calling your name, and going for checkups even when you do not feel like it. At the end of the day, body positivity is a good movement, It makes people confident, reduces shame, and reminds us that beauty does not just have one standard, but it must come with common sense. Like I will always say “no matter what, it is health first.” because once your body breaks down, no amount of “I love myself” will be able save you. So, lets try and be positive about our bodies, but let us also be truthful, take care of ourselves, and remember that this body is the only house we have till the end. _{*Image Is Designed On Canva*}