Tag: self improvement

Snapchat & Self-Esteem

I’ve been wanting to write about this subject for a while now. It amazes me how much Snapchat filters alter your face. For anyone reading who isn’t familiar with what I am talking about have a look: The first image is without filter.

Here are a few more examples:

Bigger eyes, enhanced eye color, clearer skin, longer lashes, fuller lips, thinner face, thinner and straighter nose, cheekbones, etc. You get the idea.

Most of us know at least one person who only takes selfies with Snapchat. I know a few. I remember when I first checked it out earlier this year after seeing more and more people using it and I was shocked. I couldn’t believe how dramatic some of the filters were and immediately understood why there are some individuals who only use this app. Also, Snapchat changes the filters on a regular basis and there have been some in the past that changed your face more dramatically than the ones I used here tonight.

Despite my own issues with self-esteem and insecurities I was not able to hop onto this bandwagon. I am glad I didn’t. It was just too fake for me, I wouldn’t be comfortable posting these pictures online as myself when it actually isn’t me. During my lowest times I simply just didn’t take pictures of myself. Some people don’t do that though, they do the complete opposite. I understand it though; it is an addiction.

I am reading about Snapchat and self-esteem right now. I am learning that people are actually getting cosmetic surgery done in order to look more like their filtered selfies. Apparently “55% of facial plastic surgeons in 2017 saw patients who wanted surgery to help them look better in selfies.”

In general, I am not opposed to plastic surgery to boost self-esteem. Particularly, if it’s something that has bothered the person for all of their life like large noses, birth marks, scars, bad skin, etc. What makes me uneasy though is the filters role in increasing self-esteem issues. Also, children and teenagers use these apps too. Young impressionable minds that already have issues finding and accepting themselves…

This article points out how people are no longer just comparing themselves to celebrities, they are comparing themselves…to their filtered selves. And of course we have always, in general, compared ourselves to each other. However, it’s unfair to you to compare yourself with another person’s or your own enhanced photo. Looking at your enhanced face constantly will, without a doubt, have psychological consequences. You are forcing yourself to look at yourself, yet, it isn’t you. This will affect your brain and self-perception.

People use face-enhancing apps to make themselves feel better, but just like a drug, the pleasure and boost is immediate and short-lived, and the negative consequences can be more long-lasting and damaging.

P.S. I never found the animal filters cute. I also find it silly to pose “sexy” with the pout and yet have a big dog nose and ears. When I see people like this I don’t take them seriously. Maybe I am just a cranky old lady though? I am old fashioned in some ways…

Here are two more filtered photos I had taken earlier this year when I was originally going to write on this subject… Look how cute I am! 😉

Goodnight

xxx

Other reads:

Snapchat Was Ruining My Self-Esteem

The Unexpected Reason Snapchat’s ‘Pretty’ Filters Hurt Your Self-Esteem

Body Positivity

According to Wikipedia:

Body positivity is acceptance and appreciation of all human body types. It is a social movement rooted in the belief that all human beings should have a positive body image, and be accepting of their own bodies as well as the bodies of others.The movement sets forth the notion that beauty is a construct of society, and poses that this construct should not infringe upon one’s ability to feel confidence or self-worth.

I absolutely agree and understand the importance of accepting your body for what it is. All our bodies are unique and shaped differently. However, when your body is extremely underweight and overweight it should not be appreciated. To appreciate is to value or regard highly. Having an unhealthy body is not something that should be valued in our society. I embrace the body positivity movement to appreciate the differences in curves, shapes, colors, bumps, spots, scars, and any other physical features of our bodies,but I reject it when it includes unhealthy weights.

As some of you may have already guessed the reason for writing on the subject was sparked by seeing the latest cover of Cosmopolitan UK.

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She is more than just a little chubby or plus sized, she is obese. Apparently she is 5’5″ and weighs 300 pounds. If that is the case she has a BMI of 50 which is considered Class 3 obesity; severe or extreme obsesity. There is a big difference between being a bit bigger than average and obese.

A lot of the positive reactions from this cover are coming from people who feel that having an obese woman on the cover of a magazine will have a positive impact on how they view themselves as bigger women. I can’t support this because she is more than just big. I understand the message that they are trying to get across (It is important to be comfortable in your body) but this is not how to do it productively.

If you break it down to the bare bones, it acknowledges that we exist. A fact that pretty much every single fashion designer, Hollywood film, advertising agency and mainstream media outlet, would like you to forget. [Source]

I find this statement in Cosmopolitan very silly. Why would fashion designers, films, advertising, and media outlets want to promote obesity? Trust me, we know obese people exist. Just go to your local Walmart or McDonald’s!

A quote from Tess:

“People who think I’m glorifying obesity are glorifying stupidity.”

Just because you say you’re not glorifying obesity does not mean that you are not glorifying obesity. Actions speak louder than words. It’s glorifying obesity by placing an obese, dressed up body on to the cover of an international magazine.

Just as it’s you’re right to express yourself, it is my right to express mine. Just because my belief of your actions and the consequences of them are different from yours doesn’t make me stupid.

I understand that her intentions are good, I understand the importance of loving ones body and how whether or not you are comfortable in your skin can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. But the body positivity movement has gone too far in that it has become a crutch for people to use in order to just accept their unhealthy bodies as they are and not actually help themselves.

I am wondering, since this is about the importance of mental health, are you aware that there is a more productive way to improving your mental health that should be appreciated? Exercise.

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Hello!

I’m writing here tonight because it has been a while and I am in a good mood. I’ve actually been feeling better lately. I was super stressed for a little while, then I had pains in my stomach, then my cat passed away. A few negative things happened in a short period of time and I was really down. My eyes were dark and dry from crying so much. Now I am bouncing back.

I miss my cat a lot. She was my little roommate. It’s only been 11 days; I’m still not used to her not being around. I had her cremated so she is still here with me. I may release the ashes somewhere nice next summer, but for now I want her with me. I had her for 16 years and she moved out with me when I went on my own several years ago. So it does feel a bit lonely not having my cat friend around. She was tough and stubborn. She still meowed for food that morning even though she couldn’t eat it and she still tried to come out and see me when I came home from work even though it took her a while and she could barely stand. She tried to stand all throughout the evening up until she just couldn’t anymore. During the final attempt to stand I put my hands underneath her so she could fall back down gently and I made myself a little bed beside her and stayed with her until the end. I am extremely grateful to have been there for her.

On a more cheerful note; I am enjoying my new apartment. It is a bit cheaper than the last one but a bit bigger. I love that I have a pantry. I still have work to do as far as decorating and arranging goes but I love to do that. The living room is really nice, I will show it off once it is complete. I am enjoying being in a new neighborhood. It’s refreshing to have a change of scenery and new areas to explore.

I’ve tried modeling two times so far and I’ve taken my own pictures. I am wearing more tight fitting clothes too. I’ve come a long way with that. I used to hide my body in baggy clothes for years. In grade 10 for the entire year I wore an over-sized hoodie and PJ pants. For two years when I lived in Fredericton, I wore skirts everyday… I hated my skinny legs and hid them. I’m wearing things now I would never have worn just a year ago. I’m being bold despite still not being 100% comfortable in my body. I am accepting that it is mine and that is possible for me to change it and I will. I haven’t given up on my weight gain goal but I am learning to live with I have and to have fun with it.

I start school next week. I am both excited and nervous. I am only taking one class this time and I will continue to work 5 days a week. I’ll be good and busy.

It’s been about a month since I’ve been to the gym BUT I have been working out at home and that I have been enjoying quite a bit. I have been keeping busy overall and that is such an improvement for me.

When you are feeling down don’t stay in one spot. You need to get out and move. If you really can’t bring yourself to go out then at least move within your home, watch something, read something, do something! It’s when you do nothing that you fall into despair and can’t escape. You’ve got to keep moving!

This post turned out a bit messy I suppose; just a random update.
So far this year I haven’t reached my weight gain goal but I have strengthened mentally, especially recently. I tried something new; modeling and moved to new area. That for me is important progress.

xxx

Social Media 📱👥

If you use social media everyday I recommend watching this video. For me, it was inspiring. I have deactivated my Facebook. I’ve been bored with Facebook for a while now so that was easy. Now I need to disengage from Instagram. I am inspired to do the 6 month break from social media very soon! I think it is exactly what I need.

☀️ Fresh Start ☀️

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As those of you who know me and whoever has read this blog know I am trying to make productive changes in my life.

Recently I got a gym membership, a new tattoo, my boyfriend gave me a beautiful ring, and I shaved off my hair! All symbols of self improvement, a new beginning, & love.

I have tried to start fresh many times and have relapsed each time so far. I do expect to have my days where I feel bad and don’t eat as much, it has already happened, but I intend to not let those days keep me down. This time is the first time I am going to the gym. This will make a difference. I was nervous at first but my boyfriend has been going with me and showing me the ropes! It’s actually kinda fun 🙂

I am trying to visualize myself heavier and I keep a bathing suit up on the wall for me to see everyday so that I am reminded of my weight gain goal. It would be a dream come true to be able to be comfortable enough in my body to wear a swimsuit! The last time I was in a swimsuit was when I was 13 years old, I am now 27!

I have gained a couple of pounds in the last couple of weeks. However, in the past few days I worked more and ate less. My mood shifted in the negative as well. It has been very dark and rainy too and my thoughts began to match the weather. Tonight I am doing laundry and waiting for my friend from out of town to arrive. I just ordered a pizza. I will take some Apetamin, a vitamin syrup that helps stimulate an appetite and slows down your metabolism, and eat as much as I can.

We may not always see it but the sun is always shining.

Thank you to everyone for the positive feedback on my posts so far!

Cheers from Canada

❤ 🙂

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 And… a jacket my boyfriends mother gave to me! ❤