Imagine hearing someone say to a young girl—or even worse, saying it to your own daughter:
“Yuck, you’re disgusting.”
“Your thighs are too wobbly.”
“You have too much cellulite.”
“Your legs are too short… or too long.”
“Your arms are too hairy.”
“Your stomach is too big and round, you shouldn’t be wearing a swimsuit.”
“Bikinis aren’t for fat girls—wear a t-shirt instead.”
“Look at the other girls—they look so good in their bikinis. You don’t look like that.”
“Dress for your size and shape.”
“Boys only like girls with slim bodies.”
You’d be horrified, right? You’d want to scream. Imagine what that would do to a little girl’s confidence. Imagine the lifelong issues it could create. You’d want to tell her, over and over: You are beautiful. Your body is perfect as it is. Your body does not define your worth. And if someone dared say those things aloud, you would have words for them, wouldn’t you?
And yet, how often do we do this to ourselves? How often do we whisper those same cruel criticisms in our own minds while looking in the mirror, trying on a new dress, or sitting on the beach? How often do we compare ourselves, telling ourselves we don’t measure up, that we can’t compete, that we’re not enough?
Now imagine what that does to your confidence. Imagine the way it shapes your thoughts, your self-esteem, your life—especially when you hear it so often that you start to believe it.
Stop. Just stop. Seriously. I’m begging you.
Yes, you can tone up, build muscle, lose weight, or work toward whatever goals make you proud. That’s your choice, and that effort can be empowering. But under no circumstances—not for a second—should you speak to yourself as if you are unworthy of love right now. Your body is worthy. Your existence is worthy. Nothing can take that away except the cruel thoughts in your head.
If you wouldn’t allow someone to speak to a little girl that way, if you wouldn’t dare say it to your daughter, then you absolutely must not say it to yourself.
We are our thoughts. WE ARE OUR THOUGHTS. Remember that next time you catch yourself judging the little girl inside of you. Speak to her with the same love, the same care, the same encouragement you would offer a stranger—or your own daughter. She deserves it. You deserve it.
