Own Your Awesome

Aug 13
3 min read

Published: 8/13/2025

Written by: Abigail Ellis

Let’s talk about something that everyone deals with at some point, but not enough people talk about honestly: body image.

We’re hit with images and expectations non-stop, from TikTok trends to Instagram filters, to that “perfect” look that keeps changing every five minutes. It’s hard not to compare. But here’s the truth: your body isn’t supposed to look like anyone else’s. It’s supposed to look like yours—and that is more than enough.

Real Talk: The Stats Are In

Here’s the reality:

More than 75% of teens report being unhappy with their bodies at some point.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, social media is a major trigger for body dissatisfaction—especially when teens spend more than 3 hours a day online.

That means if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and picked yourself apart—you’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

What Is Body Image, Really?

Body image isn’t about how you look—it’s about how you think and feel about your body. You can be any shape or size and have a positive or negative body image. It’s all about what’s happening in your mind.

Here’s the cool part: You can train your brain to shift how you see yourself. Let’s flip the script from self-doubt to self-confidence.

4 Real Ways to Boost Your Body Image & Confidence

1. Unfollow the Fake Vibes

If a page, influencer, or post makes you feel bad about yourself—unfollow. Your feed should lift you up, not drag you down.Follow accounts that promote realness, body diversity, and confidence at every size. Your vibe will shift when your feed does.

Challenge: Go through your social media and remove 5+ accounts that make you feel “less than.” Replace them with creators who celebrate authenticity.

2. Talk to Yourself Like a Best Friend

Would you ever say the stuff you say to yourself… to your best friend? Probably not.Start catching those negative thoughts and flipping them.

Instead of: “Ugh, I hate my stomach.” Try: “This is the body that carries me every day. It deserves respect.”

You don't have to love every inch of your body all the time—but you can treat it with kindness no matter what.

3. Find What Makes You You

You are more than your appearance. What are you proud of? What makes you light up?

Take 10 minutes to write down:

3 things you’re good at
3 things you love about your personality
3 things you’ve done that made you feel strong or proud

Spoiler: Confidence grows when you focus on who you are, not just how you look.

4. Move Your Body Because You Want To—Not Because You “Have” To

Exercise shouldn’t be punishment. It’s a celebration of what your body can do.Dance in your room. Skateboard. Do yoga. Take walks while blasting music. Movement = mood boost. Do what feels good, not what burns the most calories.

You Are So Much More Than a Mirror

Your body is the least interesting thing about you.Your kindness, your ideas, your humor, your hustle—that’s the good stuff.You don’t need to change your body to be worthy, valuable, or loved.

You already are.

Let this school year be the one where you stop trying to shrink yourself and start showing up fully as you.