You're Amazing!
When you stand in front of a mirror, what do you see?
Do you see how unique and amazing you are?
Remember that everyone is unique. Girls and women come in all shapes, sizes and appearances.
DIVERSITY IS THE BEAUTY THAT MAKES EACH OF US AMAZING AND SPECIAL, JUST THE WAY WE ARE.
Body image involves attitude and feelings – how we think about and feel about our bodies. Some people are satisfied with the way they look, while some may think they are too “something”— too thin, too fat, too tall, too short. But remember, just like everyone else, we have good days and bad days…and our mood can affect how we see ourselves.
One way we become unhappy about ourselves is by playing the comparison game. Any time you’re tempted to compare yourself to others, STOP and consider who you are. No two people are ever the same. We are all unique!
THINK ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS, YOUR UNIQUENESS, YOUR TALENT, YOUR BEAUTY – BOTH INSIDE AND OUT!
Celebrate who you are, and others around you. Think about positive things.
You can be healthy at every size!
ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION:
What are some things that you love about your body?
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
When we watch TV, movies, music videos, read magazines and see women on billboards we are constantly hit by images of the media’s idea of the “perfect” woman or girl. It is important to learn what is real and what is not in the images we see.
PERFECT PEOPLE?
Most of these “perfect” people don’t look that way in real life. Instead, you are seeing images that look that way because of special hairstyles, lots of make-up, expensive clothes and computer programs that erase flaws. The media knows these perfect images will sell magazines and TV shows, but these images are not real.
We need to remember that what we see on TV and on the Internet, including the models in magazines and in advertising, can create unnecessary pressure to look and dress a certain way. That is why it is very important that we remember what’s real – and not an unrealistic image of what is supposed to be beautiful or sexy.
YOUR BODY IS STILL CHANGING. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO EXPRESS YOURSELF WITH THE WAY YOU LOOK.
We can resist, stay real and be ourselves. Remember, there is much value in our diversity. Surround yourself with people who love you and accept you just the way you are. And accept and love others just the way they are.
- SPARK Movement – is a girl-fueled activist movement to demand an end to the sexualization of women and girls in media. They collaborate with hundreds of girls aged 13 to 22 and more than 60 national organizations to reject the sexualized images of girls in media and support the development of girls’ healthy sexuality and self-esteem.
- Media Smarts – More about media images and the messages in popular culture. It’s all about empowering yourself!
- YWCA GirlsSpace – The YWCA’s online community for girls. Where you will find information about body image and a variety of other topics in French, English and Inuktitut.
Did you know?
That it has been over four years since the launch of the groundbreaking Quebec Charter for a Healthy and Diverse Body Image (also known as La Charte quebecoise pour une image corporelle saine et diversifiée, or La Chic, for short)? The charter is the result of a group effort involving the fashion industry, the advertising industry, media, government and others.
Its goal is to demand that realistic body images (ex: different heights, weights, ages) are shown in media and advertising.
You can check out these cool websites for information about body image, designed for girls like you:
EATING DISORDERS ARE COMPLICATED ILLNESSES THAT ARE NOT JUST ABOUT FOOD.
They can be a way for girls to cope with feelings that they fi nd too hard to deal with. They can also begin because of pressure, real or imagined, to look a certain way. Eating disorders are a serious threat to your mental and physical wellness.
Anorexia vs. Bulimia: What’s the difference?
Anorexia usually involves starving yourself. It can also include bingeing and purging (eating a lot and then forcing yourself to throw up). People with anorexia have an intense fear of becoming fat and a distorted image of their body size and shape. Even if they are very thin, they think they are fat.
The effects of anorexia include:
- abnormal weight loss
- no period for at least three months in a row
- dry skin
- brittle hair
- a weakened immune system (making it easier to get sick)
- a life-threatening weakening of the heart muscle
Bulimia usually involves regular and repeat bingeing and purging to stop weight gain. This is usually done in secret. Some people with bulimia may not purge, but take part in other extreme habits (ex: excessive physical activity or starvation) to avoid weight gain.
The effects of bulimia include:
- severe dental problems (constantly throwing up ruins tooth enamel)
- digestion problems
- dehydration
- serious heart problems
The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) is a Canadian non-profi t organization providing resources about eating disorders and weight preoccupation. Check out its website for some helpful information.
You can also call the National Eating Disorders Helpline at 1-866-633-4220 (open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday). It offers counselling, information and support for people dealing with or affected by eating disorders and disordered eating.
The Quebec Association for Persons Suffering from Anorexia and Bulimia for advice and other information in French. Call 1-800-630-0907 (open from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. EST – weekdays and 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. EST on weekends) to talk to someone about it.
Are you or any of your friend’s suffering from anorexia or bulimia? If you need help and would like a list of help in Manitoba, check out the Government of Manitoba's Eating Disorders website.
