Be Gentle with Yourself

Published Sep 30 2021 in #bodypositive, #BoPo, #cherryvelvet, #selfcare, #selflove

In 2020 we were introduced to a 'new normal'. We were (and still are) faced with uncertainty and life as we knew it was put on hold.

Many of us stayed home and found ways to adjust and cope. With that came changes in our daily habits (eating, sleeping etc) and an increase in time spent on social media.
Many of us (myself included) gained weight.
I saw people posting their home workouts and quarantine related weight gain 'jokes'.
Those words would have bothered me in my 20's, but as I've gotten more comfortable in my changing body and sense of self, I chose kindness.

We were all just trying to cope. And each and every one of us does so in their own unique way. If you chose to get fit, that is wonderful. But, if all you did was relax, netflix'd and tried to stay comfortable and calm in a stressed & grieving world that is perfectly okay too.

In fact, if you are reading this right now you are here. You kicked ass and made it through. Maybe your body has changed and maybe you are not 100 percent in love with yourself at this very moment and that's FINE...The one downside of the BoPo (bodypositive) movement is this pressure that we should completely adore every square inch of ourselves, but let's be honest, that's not always an option. Most of us have 'off' days or bodyparts that aren't our favorite, we are human. Throw in bodily changes during unprecedented times mixed with subjection to unrealistic beauty standards and its no wonder we are often left feeling less than..
So how about we start with just being body neutral? Not ready for self love? Start with self kindness. Too soon to celebrate yourself? Accept and respect your body for getting you through each hard day.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Unfollow social media accounts that don't make you feel good about yourself
Take time to prioritize your self care and do things you enjoy, I promise its not selfish
Dress up in your favorite clothes 
Don't dwell on things you cannot control
Do not compare your life to another person's showreel

I'm not saying these are magically gonna fix everything but remember that you are MORE than just your vessel. You are a whole resilient being with an immeasurable spirit. You are doing the best you can and you are enough 💕

With love,
Kerosene Deluxe