Social media nowadays is littered with ‘before-and-after’ photos of individuals who have lost weight. The ‘triumphant’ posts are shared over and over again, oftentimes to reinforce the message that to be thin and fit is all one needs to achieve happiness.
While obtaining a healthy body weight by adopting sustainable lifestyle habits is a great way to improve one’s mood and, in effect, overall happiness, a physically-fit physique does not guarantee self-confidence. Unfortunately, few are aware of this because the advertising industry constantly bombards citizens with the message that they need to look and be perfect in order to attain long-lasting happiness.
One individual who no longer buys into this fallacy is Laura Mazza, the blogger behind Mum on the Run. Recently, the Melbourne, Australia resident posted a ‘before-and-after’ photo of herself on Facebook which went viral.
She writes:
“On the left – This was my body before kids. No stretch marks. A belly button that was high. A flat stomach. On the right is me now. People don’t want to see this photo. It’s not pleasing to the eye anymore. It’s not a body to be admired. But you know what? I have achieved more with this body, than I have with my old body. I’ve lived more, I’ve given more, I’ve enjoyed more. I’ve made life. This body, THIS body should be celebrated and admired. No matter what size you are, a size 6 or size 60. You deserve to celebrate it.”
Her candid post has inspired thousands of people:
When humans learn to accept themselves – and others – as they are, society will change as it will no longer cater to the self-absorbed consumer. Perhaps then, larger issues – such as world hunger and war – can be addressed and remedied.
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