What’s your purpose? This is one of the toughest questions for anyone to answer. After many years of struggle and soul-searching, I truly believe that my purpose is to spread awareness of lipedema. Helping women to thrive is my passion. Thank you all for your support and I’m grateful to you for helping me to make this journey.
What Does Being Body Positive Mean?
Body positivity is the act of affirming and appreciating your body for exactly what it is. This means loving your body even if it doesn’t align with cultural or societal constructs.
To start, let’s discuss what body positivity looks like. Then, I’ll cover some simple ways to help you start living a more body positive lifestyle.
What is Body Positivity?
Body positivity is a term that’s thrown around a lot these days — but what does it really mean?
Body positivity is a radical and necessary shift in how we see ourselves and others. Rather than holding each body to a certain specific standard, a body positive person asserts that each body is valid and worthwhile because of (rather than in spite of) its uniqueness.
For example, beauty and worth are often unfairly conflated with certain features, especially in women. While these cultural expectations can shift over time, one of the most common is centered around body weight.
In a truly body positive society, these expectations would not exist. Instead, each person within that community is afforded the agency to exist and thrive, no matter their body type and size.
So How Do You Become Body Positive?
Becoming body positive isn’t always as simple as just making the decision to do so. There are so many factors, from social media to movies to the news, that encourage each of us to feel discontent with our bodies, and it’s only too easy to be self-critical.
But each of us is capable of achieving body positivity. Here are a few ways to get started on loving your body a little more.
Lean On Others
Chances are, there are other people in your family or friend group who are experiencing the same challenges and self-criticisms as you. Don’t be afraid to share, relate, and work together toward achieving body positivity.Treat Yourself as a Friend
Most of us tend to hold ourselves to a different standard than we hold people around us. This can often lead to a lot of negative self-talk. So, think of yourself as a friend. If your best friend was struggling with personal body image, would you pile on more negativity, or help them feel better about themselves? Treat yourself in that same way.Focus on Good Health
The reality is that each body is different, and each one is precious. Therefore, the body is worth taking care of. While many health issues are out of your control, attending to the things you can control will help you feel your best. This includes both physical and mental health, and it does not mean obsessively counting calories or spending hours on end at the gym. Instead, it means doing things that make you feel great, which will make body positivity far easier to achieve.FriYAY !
In this video, Beth tries a new plant-based protein called Planta. Planta is available in many different flavors and is good for use after a workout and to satisfy a sweet tooth. It’s gluten free, soy free, and 100% vegan. Beth encourages you to try different foods and find the one that works best for your body.
The Stages of Lipedema
Lipedema is a disease that slowly progresses with time. Each person progresses at their own rate, and it can take ten or more years to move from stage 1 to stage 3 or 4. Early-stage diagnosis is ideal, so it’s important to understand the symptoms associated with each stage.
Stage 1
Lipedema starts with smooth skin that may feel normal on the surface, but hard lumps are starting to form beneath the top layers of skin. Those lumps are nodules formed by enlarged deposits of subcutaneous fat. The nodules are referred to as lipomas.
Other symptoms of the disease may or may not start to present at this stage.
Stage 1 Lipedema Symptoms:
- Some hard nodules felt under the skin
- Mild to moderate pain possible
- Easy bruising possible
Stage 2
Stage 2 is diagnosed when the surface skin transitions from smooth to a dimpled, lumpy appearance. Many people believe they are developing cellulite at this point, so they may not seek medical treatment if they aren’t also experiencing pain or obvious bruising.
One key difference between lipedema and cellulite is swelling. Cellulite doesn’t come with any swelling or cause pain.
Stage 2 Lipedema Symptoms:
- Larger lipomas under the skin
- Dimpled, uneven skin appearance
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Increase in pain possible
- Easy bruising possible
Stage 3
Stage 3 is diagnosed when large lipomas develop, creating extrusions of fat extending from the body in affected areas. These oversized collections of hardened subcutaneous fat are the result of increased inflammation and reduced circulation of blood and lymph fluids due to the thickening and hardening of tissues.
At this stage, most people will notice the change in body shape and skin appearance. Pain and bruising can become more substantial in this stage as well.
Stage 3 Lipedema Symptoms:
- Large extrusions of subcutaneous fat extending from the body
- Joint pain possible
- Difficulty balancing
- Pain in affected areas
- Easy bruising
- Extreme skin sensitivity possible
Stage 4
Stage 4 is declared when a diagnosis of lymphedema is delivered. Lymphedema is characterized by a damaged lymphatic system that can no longer process lymph drainage efficiently. That leads to fluid building up inside the body and worsening lipedema symptoms.
Stage 4 Lipedema Symptoms:
- Large overhangs of skin and fat deposits
- Moderate to extreme pain
- Limited mobility possible
You Have the Power to Shape Your Own Image
Did you know that you hold the power to shape your own image? Well, it’s true! However, in order to do this, you first need to be able to find and embrace your true, authentic voice.
What is your real, true voice? It’s not your speaking voice, not your singing voice, not your yelling voice, but the voice that resembles and reflects your innermost self.
This incredible voice, once you have found it, can allow you to unlock a brand-new, unheard-of, and unique power that will shape your image entirely. What would you do if you found this powerful voice?
The Journey to Finding Your Own Voice
One way you can start this journey is to find the right tribe and surround yourself with people who are ready to not only hear your voice, but listen. While finding your tribe may sound hard, it will be greatly rewarding. Being surrounded by supportive people can make all the difference in your life.
Finding Your Tribe
When you find your tribe, you will begin to have meaningful conversations in which each voice is heard, recognized, and respected. It is then that you can work to make meaningful connections with the people in your tribe and add value to each other’s lives. Our tribes give us a safe place to exist and belong.
We all have the power to shape who we are. I sincerely hope that you discover how to use your true, unique, and powerful voice in order to shape yourself. When you find your voice, you will experience the gift of change and experience life in a fuller, richer way than ever before.