Fed up with feeling bad about your body because of Instagram!??
Aclaire88
Posts: 80 Member
Hi all
28yo weakling from Australia.
I have been struggling with low self esteem ... forever!
Decided this year would be the year i stop:
- poking and prodding at my love handels
- buying baggy clothing
- lying dead after 3 'girly' push ups
- avoiding swimming
- comparing myself to Instamodels!
And start:
- taking responsibility for my health & fitness
- exercising regularly
- building strength
- loving myself
Happy International Women's Day! (8 March)
28yo weakling from Australia.
I have been struggling with low self esteem ... forever!
Decided this year would be the year i stop:
- poking and prodding at my love handels
- buying baggy clothing
- lying dead after 3 'girly' push ups
- avoiding swimming
- comparing myself to Instamodels!
And start:
- taking responsibility for my health & fitness
- exercising regularly
- building strength
- loving myself
Happy International Women's Day! (8 March)
21
Replies
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First: Happy International Women's Day to you!
Second: To your title "...because of Instagram..." as a new year's resolution I shut off FB, IG, and TWTR on 1/1/17 and I am much happier without them. Works for me...may not for others, but that's my experience so far.
Third: Best of luck and welcome...I am going on 3 weeks with MFP. The support and positivity is pretty good here.5 -
Don't call yourself a weakling for one. Even if it's in a joking way. Believe it or not, it's the little things that impact you slowly but surely. You are a queen and you better own it!11
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What society deems as acceptable is the problem. There are going to be MILLIONS of people who genetically cannot look like a model. So why is it trying to be achieved?
Get in the best shape you can and be healthy. Only a handful of people in the world are on TV or movies. The rest of real life don't have a lot of these people running around.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
4 -
I don't think we can blame feeling bad about our bodies on Instagram.0
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zachbonner_ wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »I don't think we can blame feeling bad about our bodies on Instagram.
I think we can confidently say that it is part of the problem, along with all social media in general
Only if you allow it. We all have a free choice in whether we go to Instagram. It is easy to blame a single website, but even the OP states that she has, "been struggling with low self esteem ... forever!" Maybe for people who struggle such a website may not help but Instagram is not to blame. There is a deeper problem that would exist even if Instagram were stricken from existence right now. Further more if so many feel that such a website is the actual problem then stop taking your traffic there. Abandon the site.1 -
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zachbonner_ wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »zachbonner_ wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »I don't think we can blame feeling bad about our bodies on Instagram.
I think we can confidently say that it is part of the problem, along with all social media in general
Only if you allow it. We all have a free choice in whether we go to Instagram. It is easy to blame a single website, but even the OP states that she has, "been struggling with low self esteem ... forever!" Maybe for people who struggle such a website may not help but Instagram is not to blame. There is a deeper problem that would exist even if Instagram were stricken from existence right now.
you're just arguing semantics
How so? I am stating the reality. This low self esteem problem has been around long before even the internet was born. Also even long before the age of photo shopping and air brushing images until they no longer resemble real people anymore. This is just true. We can't blame an age old problem on new things.1 -
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You can start by not calling yourself names.3
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zachbonner_ wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »zachbonner_ wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »zachbonner_ wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »I don't think we can blame feeling bad about our bodies on Instagram.
I think we can confidently say that it is part of the problem, along with all social media in general
Only if you allow it. We all have a free choice in whether we go to Instagram. It is easy to blame a single website, but even the OP states that she has, "been struggling with low self esteem ... forever!" Maybe for people who struggle such a website may not help but Instagram is not to blame. There is a deeper problem that would exist even if Instagram were stricken from existence right now.
you're just arguing semantics
How so? I am stating the reality. This low self esteem problem has been around long before even the internet was born. Also even long before the age of photo shopping and air brushing images until they no longer resemble real people anymore. This is just true. We can't blame an age old problem on new things.
I didn't say instagram causes the problem, if you read my post. I said it exacerbates it and that is true. It's asinine to think that the majority of people are going to quit their social medias anyways, as it is ingrained in everyone's life who was born in the last 30 or so years
And if you read mine you would see that I also said the same. Different wordage. You claim I was playing semantics but also agree? Interesting. Please see this line in my previous comment. "Maybe for people who struggle such a website may not help, but Instagram is not to blame."0 -
I do not feel bad about my body because of seeing others with "attractive"bodies. I don't know that I ever have.
Anytime I looked at my body with disgust it was simply because I was disgusted that I have let myself become obese - I did it. Through neglect and overeating. I don't find it upsetting to see others who are physically fit....I also am not hating on myself either - I am doing something about it.
I've been back logging daily, exercising daily - lost nearly 14 lbs so far - that makes me happy every time I look in the mirror - in spite of the Instamodels.2 -
Hi all
28yo weakling from Australia.
I have been struggling with low self esteem ... forever!
Decided this year would be the year i stop:
- poking and prodding at my love handels
- buying baggy clothing
- lying dead after 3 'girly' push ups
- avoiding swimming
- comparing myself to Instamodels!
And start:
- taking responsibility for my health & fitness
- exercising regularly
- building strength
- loving myself
Happy International Women's Day! (8 March)
You are beautiful inside and out.
Don't let the media and other people define you. Live life with no regret and define yourself. Be your own amazing.
I applaud you for your goals
- taking responsibility for my health & fitness
- exercising regularly
- building strength
- loving myself
We are all a work in progress, never give up on yourself.2 -
Haha - As I've grown older (and somewhat wiser), I care less what others think of me and how I view myself. I also do not compare myself to other women (I do appreciate other women's hard work.) I compete with myself, example: can I do more reps at the gym than last week, can I add a little more weight to the bar, am I seeing muscles coming out more in the mirror, is my endurance improving. So, Yes - I still enjoy pictures/Instagram of other women but I believe in myself and I have overcome so so much already in this life (I feel like a warrior).
Kudos to you for taking back your life and holding yourself responsible to take action. I took back my life a long time ago and it left me feeling empowered and happy. Be your own hero
1 -
I do not feel bad about my body because of seeing others with "attractive"bodies. I don't know that I ever have.
Anytime I looked at my body with disgust it was simply because I was disgusted that I have let myself become obese - I did it. Through neglect and overeating. I don't find it upsetting to see others who are physically fit....I also am not hating on myself either - I am doing something about it.
I've been back logging daily, exercising daily - lost nearly 14 lbs so far - that makes me happy every time I look in the mirror - in spite of the Instamodels.
I agree, and good for you!
I also don't feel bad when I see others better fit then I am. Instead I see it as motivation that I can do it as well! My best friend was born with cerebral palsy and walks with a walker and needless to say, has limitations. But for the past year and a half she's been working out (now a bit more obsessively then before) and her body is AMAZING! If she can do it with limitations, then I can do it with none. Good luck and keep it up! 3 -
Good for you! The first step to change a low self esteem is realizing the problem and making steps to love yourself in your own way. If that means not going on social media than so be it. I do agree if you are going to love yourself, you should stop calling yourself a weakling....lol! How about a "weakling that is making changes in her life!" or something positive like that:) I stopped going on FB and IG after the first of the year. Not because I didn't want to see the "beautiful" people, but because I was tired of the fakeness, the negativity, the politics and most of all, the time it was wasting! I would much rather be walking, or playing with my son, or preparing my meals to be a better me. So again, good for you and good luck!1
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The wealth you have gained with those simple actions will pay out more than you know. Kudos for everyone striving to reach higher grounds1
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Hi all
28yo Strong Beautiful Powerful Woman from Australia.
I have been struggling with low self esteem ... forever!
Decided this year would be the year i stop:
- poking and prodding at my love handles
- buying baggy clothing
- lying dead after 3 'girly' push ups
- avoiding swimming
- comparing myself to Instamodels!
And start:
- taking responsibility for my health & fitness
- exercising regularly
- building strength
- loving myself
Happy International Women's Day! (8 March)
@ACHynson
0 -
First: Happy International Women's Day to you!
Second: To your title "...because of Instagram..." as a new year's resolution I shut off FB, IG, and TWTR on 1/1/17 and I am much happier without them. Works for me...may not for others, but that's my experience so far.
Third: Best of luck and welcome...I am going on 3 weeks with MFP. The support and positivity is pretty good here.
Thank you! Support and positivity is what I'm after
I must admit, I deactivate IG regularly but haven't gotten completely rid of it (it does have some positives) but I don't have any other forms of social media (other than this). I know that beautiful people will be thrown at us wherever we are so my goal is to stop giving a cr#p!
Best of luck with your journey!0 -
Sweet_Solitude wrote: »Don't call yourself a weakling for one. Even if it's in a joking way. Believe it or not, it's the little things that impact you slowly but surely. You are a queen and you better own it!
Haha I wish I was joking, ok how about *body builder in the making* (that's a joke). Thank you for your lovely words.0 -
What society deems as acceptable is the problem. There are going to be MILLIONS of people who genetically cannot look like a model. So why is it trying to be achieved?
Get in the best shape you can and be healthy. Only a handful of people in the world are on TV or movies. The rest of real life don't have a lot of these people running around.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
You're so right, and the intelligent me knows it. I just have to let go of that lil devil on my shoulder. And that's why I'm here, to become the best version of me, healthy & happy!0 -
ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »zachbonner_ wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »zachbonner_ wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »zachbonner_ wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »I don't think we can blame feeling bad about our bodies on Instagram.
I think we can confidently say that it is part of the problem, along with all social media in general
Only if you allow it. We all have a free choice in whether we go to Instagram. It is easy to blame a single website, but even the OP states that she has, "been struggling with low self esteem ... forever!" Maybe for people who struggle such a website may not help but Instagram is not to blame. There is a deeper problem that would exist even if Instagram were stricken from existence right now.
you're just arguing semantics
How so? I am stating the reality. This low self esteem problem has been around long before even the internet was born. Also even long before the age of photo shopping and air brushing images until they no longer resemble real people anymore. This is just true. We can't blame an age old problem on new things.
I didn't say instagram causes the problem, if you read my post. I said it exacerbates it and that is true. It's asinine to think that the majority of people are going to quit their social medias anyways, as it is ingrained in everyone's life who was born in the last 30 or so years
And if you read mine you would see that I also said the same. Different wordage. You claim I was playing semantics but also agree? Interesting. Please see this line in my previous comment. "Maybe for people who struggle such a website may not help, but Instagram is not to blame."
@zachbonner_ Thank you for understanding
@ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken
Thank you for your feedback, I agree with you that IG is not the cause of my insecurity, but I know so many women and men that have much worse body image issues because of Social Media and the attraction driven shallow world we live in. I wish I was as emotionally intelligent as you and didn't let it impact me.
Anyway, this was all taken too seriously. I wasn't about to make my post title: "Fed up with being depressed and hating yourself because xyz happened in your childhood and IG exacerbates it!?" 0 -
I do not feel bad about my body because of seeing others with "attractive"bodies. I don't know that I ever have.
Anytime I looked at my body with disgust it was simply because I was disgusted that I have let myself become obese - I did it. Through neglect and overeating. I don't find it upsetting to see others who are physically fit....I also am not hating on myself either - I am doing something about it.
I've been back logging daily, exercising daily - lost nearly 14 lbs so far - that makes me happy every time I look in the mirror - in spite of the Instamodels.
Hi @wizzybeth That's a real inspiration! I don't think I'll ever be as tough as you, but I'm trying. Good on you for losing so much weight and feeling awesome. I'm here to do something about it 1 -
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fit_chickx wrote: »Hi all
28yo weakling from Australia.
I have been struggling with low self esteem ... forever!
Decided this year would be the year i stop:
- poking and prodding at my love handels
- buying baggy clothing
- lying dead after 3 'girly' push ups
- avoiding swimming
- comparing myself to Instamodels!
And start:
- taking responsibility for my health & fitness
- exercising regularly
- building strength
- loving myself
Happy International Women's Day! (8 March)
You are beautiful inside and out.
Don't let the media and other people define you. Live life with no regret and define yourself. Be your own amazing.
I applaud you for your goals
- taking responsibility for my health & fitness
- exercising regularly
- building strength
- loving myself
We are all a work in progress, never give up on yourself.
That was such a nice message. I didn't expect this type of response from everyone, it's definitely motivating me to be better, stronger & happier - not prettier or skinnier. 0 -
Welcome! Good luck to you. You got this!1
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I do not feel bad about my body because of seeing others with "attractive"bodies. I don't know that I ever have.
Anytime I looked at my body with disgust it was simply because I was disgusted that I have let myself become obese - I did it. Through neglect and overeating. I don't find it upsetting to see others who are physically fit....I also am not hating on myself either - I am doing something about it.
I've been back logging daily, exercising daily - lost nearly 14 lbs so far - that makes me happy every time I look in the mirror - in spite of the Instamodels.
Hi @wizzybeth That's a real inspiration! I don't think I'll ever be as tough as you, but I'm trying. Good on you for losing so much weight and feeling awesome. I'm here to do something about it
You Can!!!! Just start reminding yourself every day that everyone is different, nobody is perfect, even the perfect ones have flaws, and you are beautiful inside and out.
I posted this on Instagram this morning, in fact:
"Ladies: We're *all* Wonder Woman. Love who you are. Love one another for our differences. Have a great day!"
Then my friend put this on my Facebook wall.
Love it! 
2 -
happysherri wrote: »Haha - As I've grown older (and somewhat wiser), I care less what others think of me and how I view myself. I also do not compare myself to other women (I do appreciate other women's hard work.) I compete with myself, example: can I do more reps at the gym than last week, can I add a little more weight to the bar, am I seeing muscles coming out more in the mirror, is my endurance improving. So, Yes - I still enjoy pictures/Instagram of other women but I believe in myself and I have overcome so so much already in this life (I feel like a warrior).
Kudos to you for taking back your life and holding yourself responsible to take action. I took back my life a long time ago and it left me feeling empowered and happy. Be your own hero
Haha i want to be like YOU when i 'grow up'
I'm taking the steps to make that change. I am scared that I'll never be rid of my insecurities but your approach is spot on, compete with yourself = best advise. I just need to remember to be patient and positive. Slow & Steady. If I spend more time building my strength I'll have less time to be jealous of others.
Thanks 0
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