MIRROR, MIRROR: REDEFINING SELF-IMAGE STANDARDS

You know, the first time I read that Jesus said "Love your neighbor as you love yourself", I was thinking about the first half of that sentence, "Love your neighbor". A few days ago, I re-read it and it got me thinking about the second part, I realized there is no way one could honor that commandment without the second part of the sentence, "as you love yourself". If you don't love yourself, how can you love your neighbor? What you think of yourself is what you think of others, how you treat yourself is how you treat others, and how you talk to yourself is how you talk to others. Your actions tell others how you view yourself.

What is self-image?

When you look at yourself in the mirror what do you think? What kind of a person do you think you are? Initially, that is what self-image is: what you view yourself as, both internally and externally. According to the Mountain State Centers for Independent Living, self-image is several self-impressions that have built up over time. Self-image could be negative, making a person less confident in the way they look or act. It could also be positive, making a person view themselves in a positive light and have more confidence.

I believe that what you think is what you bring to life. If you perceive yourself as a person who is less intellectual, then that is what you will be, if you perceive yourself as an intelligent person, that is what you will be. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that if you just think of being a doctor you will be one, unfortunately, you have to go through years of medical school for that. Anyway, all I am saying is, the way you see yourself is simply what you will be come.

The effects of societal standards on self-image

Every time I go back to my hometown there is always a person who says "You are so tiny, who is going to hire you?" I hear that question every time I go for an interview and it chirps away my confidence every single time. I feel like I slept and woke up to a world that hires according to looks. A negative self-image often comes from external standards of the world. There is a tendency to shame individuals for not fitting societal expectations of beauty, leading to discontent with one's body and low self-esteem. With the rise of social media platforms, there is a widespread culture of unrealistic and comparison beauty standards maintained through edited pictures and filters. Again, don't get me wrong, I use filters as any other person in the world, however, I know I look better in person. I am a firm believer in the Word, and a question I often ask myself is why feel less confident when I am a reflection of God, made in his image?

A negative self-image can be alleviated by the social stigma surrounding feminine health, discouraging individuals from seeking help for matters concerning self-esteem and body image. I have heard so many disturbing stories from females who went to clinics to get help but were judged. So many females are reluctant to get help because of the fear of being judged or treated poorly.

These standards can have detrimental effects on individuals' self-image and psychological well-being, highlighting the significance of advocating for diverse representations of beauty and promoting self-acceptance and self-love.

Ciao

Well, that was a heated topic. Take note that you are God's temple and he never makes mistakes, so that says a lot about how wonderfully and beautifully you were made. Until we meet again, comment down below how you think society has affected your self-image, and also mention two things you like about yourself. Bye!