Having spent more than 12 years in an externally focused industry, that is the modeling industry, the lines between what is real and what is an illusion of glamour certainly became blurred. The decisions of ‘yes’ and ‘no’ always come down to me ‘looking the part’. This is not a realistic notion to get used to. Yet, unfortunately in an industry that made this my day to day living it was hard to remind myself of reality.
The greatest lesson I took from this experience is that it is not just models who battle with the issues of body image. Nowadays our lives are bombarded with advertising, celebrity and social media that we can all admit to, on some level, believing the hype and aspiring to becoming the illusion. Lets face it, thats all it is. Glamour and illusion. Always remember that your body is perfect and beautiful. Don’t destroy it as a means to fit someones profile. It is to be cherished and valued as the vessel to your heart and soul. Real beauty comes from within and is a reflection on the work to do for your ‘inner being’.
Have you ever met someone who oozes true beauty and a quiet confidence? Something about them resonates with a vibrancy that is almost compelling to be around. Sometimes you can look at them solely for face value and think they are not that ‘pretty’, yet they still exude something more vibrant than most! This is the resonating inner beauty and it’s not something you can pretend. It is a journey achieved through nurturing your body with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs as well as through healing the heart and honoring the soul.
When you feed yourself loving foods that respect the complex needs of your body, you’ll be rewarded with glowing skin, beautiful hair, strong nails and vibrant energy. Underlying emotional needs can also have a powerful effect on the development of your form and physique. Over time something as subtle as unresolved anger can appear through the skin and face in the form of premature aging, dehydration and acne. Left long enough and the emotions can manifest themselves in the form of degenerative disease.
If at any stage you catch yourself believing that in order to succeed, be accepted or to get more work you need to look differently, behave differently or produce something that is not in line with the essence of the love you really are, then it is best to take some time to reflect. Healthy body image cannot be maintained without an acceptance of yourself.
Always take care of yourself by eating well, looking after your fitness and nurturing your heart but also know when the lines have crossed into obsessive behavioral tendencies. To love yourself is to acknowledge the need for balance.
If at any stage you notice negative patterns know and accept that this too, is a part of your journey. Don’t be afraid to speak to someone. You may even find that many have experienced similar emotions and life lessons. The joy of taking care of yourself should be light and fun not a burden or an extreme dedication. Surround yourself with people who are interested in what you have to offer as a person, who challenge your spirit in positive ways and rejoice in your talents and abilities. And above all else, love and respect who you are. This too, at times can be difficult, sometimes even impossible but in this blessed new age we get to access more easily the avenues to learn how.
Read. Source the internet. Consult a friend or family member and ask questions. You deserve to know how to be happy and how to be your happiest. All it takes is a little research, a bit of willpower and the excitement to journey down the road of self-discovery. You’ll love loving you!
Article by Marissa Frew – Owner & Founder of Rocket and Beets
