Hey y’all! It is a beautiful Tuesday here in Charlotte, so what better way to enjoy the day than to indulge in this fall weather and write to you guys; today’s topic: being confident in the face of adversity….
So, this post was inspired by a few instances in my personal life as well as Lane Bryant’s newest body positive campaign…
As a plus/curvy/fat/BBW woman, there are already societal limitation placed on us: we aren’t supposed to be pretty, dress well, be able to have active talents and skills (the list goes on and on) and when we have the attributes and display them unapologetically, there is always a high level of disrespectful backlash…
For instance, since the start of Lane Bryant’s “I’m No Angel” Body Positive Campaign, several major networks have refused to air the commercial.
For another instance, I can get sent home for wearing the same outfit as another employee at my job because my curves are considered a “distraction”.
We can go on forever about all the injustices, but the fact of the matter is they happen. The more important perspective is how do we to respond? How do you take adversity and turn it into power?
Well, for starters, it is understanding that even though the world may view you as the “underdog” you are still powerful, even if you don’t always feel it. Singer, India Arie has a quote in one of her songs that states “…I’m gonna take of all my clothes, look at myself in the mirror, we’re gonna have a conversation, we’re gonna heal the disconnection…my body is beautiful and sacred and I’m gonna celebrate it”. Power, light, is radiated from the inside out. Show naysayers that you are not limited by standards. Be vulnerable with yourself so that you can acknowledge your insecurities and then work to fall in love with you. Grow to become so comfortable with yourself, that even something as simple as the way you walk exudes nothing but confidence.
In addition, there has to be a high level of resilience. When people feel the norms they believe in are threatened, they attack. Hard and heavily. Being able to bounce back from negativity with poise and persistence, whilst keeping a high level of confidence is key. People only have as much power over you as you allow them to have. Take your power back, you are a divine woman…no mistakes here!
Lastly, it is imperitive that you support and defend those who are in the same boat as you. It can be hard feeling like you are dealing with “insecurities” alone, but knowing you have people in your corner makes finding your shine so much easier. You see someone attacking a plus women on social media, comment something supportive. Share that video of that plus women dancing or modeling. Prove that while there are always people against, that there are also so many that are for. We are a community, the voices of many will always ring louder and longer than the voice of one.
To end this post, I am going to post Lane Bryant’s newest ad, “This Body Is Made to Shine”. In this ad, key figures from the plus community respond to real posts and comments made about them. Take a moment to check it out (click the title link), I guarantee you will smile, and who knows… you might even be inspired to create your own clapback!
Peace. Ife Michelle.
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