A Twist On Your Usual Body-Positivity Message | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Twist On Your Usual Body-Positivity Message

"My body and my mind are both canvases waiting for life to (metaphorically) paint them."

3
A Twist On Your Usual Body-Positivity Message
Katelyn Gunderson

Two months. It's been two months since I walked into a tattoo parlor and sat down for two hours as needles moved in and out of my skin, leaving behind a piece of artwork on my forearm. It's been closer to three months since I went from having shoulder-length hair to sporting an Audrey Hepburn-esque pixie cut. My physical appearance went through a lot this summer, but I've never felt more comfortable in my own skin.

College is such a good time to find yourself. You are surrounded by so many people that can help you pick and choose aspiring qualities for yourself. You develop habits and quirks in this time of independence that will stick with you for life. New experiences shape you into a (hopefully) more mature person and allow you to be prepared for the big, bad world that faces us that we head out into after college.

It's only natural that we change and grow, but what happens when your appearance isn't catching up with your mind? From personal experience, everything changes at once. It's not the usual scary change; it's a comfortable, exciting one. You learn that your body is a canvas, and we have to decorate it with life.

When I first cut my hair off, it was a spur of the moment decision. I decided that I didn't want to have to put forth the effort it took to style my hair that following weekend at a local music festival. In fact, I didn't want to deal with hair anymore at all. So off it went. I wasn't nervous, I didn't doubt my decision as the hair stylist cut my hair, and I certainly don't regret it. Hair grows back, right? When I dyed it twice during the spring semester of 2016, I knew if I didn't like the color that it would eventually grow out. Hair is cool in the way that you can temporarily change it to reflect who you are or what you are going through. Just a hint: this is why when a girl goes through something major, she does something totally new to her hair!

My tattoo, on the other hand, isn't so much removable or grow out-able. It's there forever, but I've loved it and taken pride in the piece of art that is on my body. The idea of forever isn't terrifying with my tattoo - it shows a part of my soul for everyone to see. You don't have to know me to understand something about my life or my personality; you just have to look at the little bee surrounded by flowers. The number of times I've had friends admire it and say that "it's just so you" is astounding, because it ensures my love for my tattoo -- and myself -- even more.

I'm proud to say that these past months have made me so much more confident. It took me all of my freshman year of college to realize that my body and my mind are both canvases waiting for life to (metaphorically) paint them. The more you allow yourself that freedom, the more confident you become. Stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting new people, has helped me find an amazing support system who especially loves me for me. I've learned how much I love being in the crowd at musical festivals by pushing myself into new scenarios, and that I am such a night owl but not a morning person what-so-ever.

Reflecting who you are on the inside on the outside is a tough job. It's hard to be soft and kind on the outside in a cruel world, but it's worth it to be a genuine person. In a few years, you might see me across the street with several more tattoos (sorry Mom and Dad), with short hair and flowy clothing. I'll have a confident stride, and look determined to get where I am going, though I'm not in a rush. If and when that happens, know that it took me some time to get there, and it'll take some time for me to look at you and think the same. Adorning your body tattoos and rocking radical haircuts might not be your style, but you get the point. Being yourself on the outside is important, and I hope you get a chance to do it one day in the near future.

Content creators from across the web have told you how important body positivity is. Life is significantly more amazing to live when you love the body you have. I used to hate change, but you can always rely on it when things get bad. When you don't like something about yourself, change it. You can change your hair, clothes, skin, and change your confidence level with it. The best part? People may not always approve of it, but you'll be too busy believing in yourself and loving yourself that it won't matter.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

9788
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

4342
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3180
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2853
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments