A Year of Change

Someone asked me how old I was the other day, and I temporarily forgot that I am already nearing the end of my 23rd year! Yikes! I know it doesn't sounds old, but I still identify myself as a 20 year old college student. My brothers are 17 (Grade 12) & 18 (1st year of University), and I am realizing what a tender age that is. I was a very confident girl in grade 12; The student activities council president, athlete, friends with everyone in my class, and had finally found the greatest boyfriend. Then, 1st year of University came along and it was as if my world was collapsing around me. My self-esteem took a huge hit and my body image was horrible. Since then I have never really been content with the way I look. This year has been a stepping stone in the right direction and as I reflect on it, I realize that no matter how you dress or wear your hair that day, the people who love you will always think your beautiful. I hope that as a 20-something woman, I can be a role-model and positive example to others who may be in the same situation that I was.

I wrote a post a while back about body image and the Dove campaign for Real Beauty. I am happy to see that there have been others following their lead on this topic and have seen more and more discussion over the past year.

Seventeen Magazine has launched a campaign called "Body Peace". They are encouraging girls and women of every age to sign a peace treaty with themselves and develop a positive self image. One of their newest spokeswomen is Whitney Port, whom I just recently wrote a post about. You can check out her blog and read about her involvement @ http://whitneyport.celebuzz.com

Verve Girl: September/October 2010 issue was titled The Self-esteem issue
They featured Aliya-Jasmine Sovani from MTV as she spoke out about her life and struggles that she overcame while growing up.