REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES

It's hard to have a blog on running and staying in shape without ever discussing body image. Obviously, my biggest goal is to complete my life goal and run a marathon, but i'm not going to lie when i say the way my body is changing isn't an added perk.
We live in a society where thin is in. Models and actresses seen in the media give women a false sense of what they should look like...this is nothing new. The images we as a culture are trying to imitate and reproduce on our own bodies are unrealistic and they are hurting us. It's becoming socially beautiful to look like a skeleton, and the real women out there, the ones with curves are suffereing by getting the brunt of critism and poor self-image.
This is what i think, and it's taken me a while to gain this perspective, curves are beautiful, and everyone was made to look different. This is why i'm especially appreciative in the steps we've been taking towards bettering body images. One example is the recent ban of models that were too thin from fashion week in Milan, Italy. But my favorite way the perspective is shifting is in the media with advertising. Big name corporations like Nike and Dove are leading the way towards a better future for women with their new advertising campaigns.

"I have thunder thighs. And that's a compliment because they are strong and toned and muscular. And though they are unwelcome in the petite section, they are cheered on in marathons. Fifty years from now, i'll bounce a grandshild on my thunder thighs, and then i'll go out for a run."

A lot of people have a problem with ads like this one saying that it promotes the idea that it creates unflattering images to think about, and that somehow it's okay to be heavier........IT IS!!! It's not about everyone fitting into one idea of what sexy or beautiful is, it's about emulating beauty and sexiness from what you already have. I love these ads, and i'm all for the media changing to help girls accept themselves more.

"My Butt is big and round like the letter C, and 10,000 lunges have made it rounder but not smaller. And that’s just fine. It’s a space heater for my side of the bed. It’s my ambassador. To those who walk behind me, it’s a border collie that herds skinny women away from the best deals at clothing sales. My butt is big and that’s just fine. And those who might scorn it are invited to kiss it."