Body Positivity: Who Decided What Beauty Looks Like, Anyway?

Ever stop and wonder where body positivity even started? Like, who was the first person to roll out of bed one day and think, “This is the body type we’re all gonna obsess over, and that one? Nah, it’s out.” And more importantly—why on earth do we listen? Just imagine a world where none of that existed. No crazy diets, no obsessing if you’re a size 2 or a 22. A place where everyone’s body is just… celebrated. No questions, no comparisons, just pure acceptance. Sounds like a utopia, right?

But here we are in the real world, where beauty standards have stuck around like that one party guest who just won’t take the hint. From the ancient Greeks carving their ideal bodies into marble to today’s relentless Instagram filters, society has always had this ever-changing, impossible-to-reach version of “perfect.” And guess what? Chasing it is exhausting.

So why does this matter? Because those unrealistic standards make too many of us feel like we’re never quite enough. That’s a big problem, one that messes with our confidence and our mental health. But here’s the fun part: we can flip the script. Let’s dive into why we’re still running after these beauty standards, how they’re messing with our heads, and more importantly—how embracing body positivity could be the ultimate game-changer. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a ride!

The Problem: Beauty Standards Are Exhausting

Let’s face it: beauty standards are like that never-ending to-do list—we’re always chasing the next thing! Whether it’s the flawless faces on our Instagram feeds or the airbrushed models in magazines, we’re constantly being told what “perfect” looks like. And honestly? It’s exhausting. Why are we still letting these made-up rules decide our worth?

The Insecurity Trap: Overcoming Body Image Issues

From movie stars to influencers, the media loves to push one thing: “perfection.” As we all know, most of that so-called perfection is the result of Photoshop, filters, and a little editing magic.The result? We’re left thinking, “Why don’t I look like that?” Spoiler alert: even they don’t look like that! Realizing this is the first step in overcoming body image issues and embracing a body positivity mindset. The only person you need to impress? You!

Social Media: The Comparison Game

Scrolling through social media can be like walking into a party where everyone seems cooler than you. Perfect skin, toned abs, and hair that always looks Instagram-ready—ugh! But let’s be real: it’s all about the right angle, lighting, and, of course, some digital trickery. Social media has turned us all into comparison junkies, constantly measuring ourselves against an impossible standard. Let’s break that cycle and start playing a different game—the one where everyone wins by just being themselves!

Peer Pressure and Society’s Expectations

Society loves its rules, doesn’t it? “You should be this weight, have this skin tone, be this tall.” It’s like we’re all trying to complete an imaginary checklist to be “beautiful.” But what if we threw that checklist out the window? Body positivity is all about rejecting those old-school rules and celebrating what makes us different. No more boxes, no more categories—just people being people.

What Are People Insecure About?

Everyone’s insecurities are a little different, but they usually revolve around how far off we feel from that so-called “ideal.” Sound familiar? Too skinny? Too heavy? Too tall? Too short? Not the “right” shade? Not clear enough? Do I have curves in the “right” places? Why doesn’t my nose look like theirs?

It’s wild how these insecurities come from standards that most people can’t meet. But guess what? They don’t define you. Body positivity is all about smashing these unrealistic ideas and loving what you’ve got!

Why Are We So Insecure?

Why are we all walking around feeling like we don’t measure up? It’s pretty simple—when you’re constantly told what you should look like, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short. But it’s time to ask: who made those rules anyway? Body positivity helps us shift the focus from fitting in to standing out for being exactly who we are.

What Can Be Done? Changing the Narrative

Here’s the thing: beauty standards don’t have to define us. In fact, it’s about time we start flipping the script. Body positivity is more than just a hashtag or a trend; it’s about embracing who you are, exactly as you are. And while it might sound simple, the journey to self-love takes work—both on an individual level and as a society.

1. Love Your Body—As It Is!

This might sound like something you’ve heard a thousand times, but seriously—self-love starts from within. Your body is uniquely yours, and that’s what makes it amazing. It doesn’t need to fit anyone else’s mold to be worthy of love and care.

2. Call Out the Media’s Beauty Lies

Let’s keep it real—the media loves to show one type of beauty, and it’s usually a heavily edited version. Time to challenge that! Demand more diversity in what we see on our screens. We need to see all kinds of bodies, skin tones, and features.

3. Make All Bodies Normal—Because They Are!

Enough with the labels—let’s stop deciding which bodies are “good” or “bad” and just let people be. Whether it’s in fashion, film, or social media, let’s make space for everyone. After all, normalizing all bodies makes the world a better place for everyone.

4. Support Each Other

Instead of focusing on how people look, let’s celebrate who they are and what they do. Compliment someone for their kindness, their creativity, or their sense of humor. And when someone’s having a tough time with body image, remind them they’re enough just as they are.

Check out these tips on feeling happier with your body.

Be Your Own Standard

At the end of the day, beauty standards are just made-up rules that don’t matter. What does matter is how you feel about yourself. Instead of letting society’s narrow view of beauty run your life, make your own rules. Because here’s the truth: body positivity means realizing that you are enough just as you are.

Let’s create a world where every body—yours, mine, everyone’s—is celebrated. A world where no one feels the need to change just to fit in. And if you liked the read and want to embrace the journey of loving yourself, check out the Modern Sutras to love and grow in our latest posts!