Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

According to a poll done by ComRes, the top three most common New Year’s resolutions are to “exercise more,” “lose weight” and “eat more healthily.” A common pattern can be found amongst these three that can lead one to make a simple assumption; the majority of those who set these goals are not happy with where their body or health currently is.

Choosing to make yourself healthier is an option that everyone has, and can take up at any time. Deciding to exercise and eat well can be incredibly beneficial to your health and well-being. However, it’s important that during the journey of reaching your resolution, you still choose to be body positive.

The meaning of this term can vary between person to person. While speaking with psychologytoday.com, Mallorie Dunn, founder of the body positive fashion line “SmartGlamour,” noted that to her, the phrase means “accepting the body you have as well as the changes in shape, size, and ability it may undergo due to nature, age, or your own personal choices throughout your lifetime.” She also adds that it’s “the understanding that your worth and what’s going on with you physically are two separate entities.”

While this definition of the phrase can read differently to everyone, the overall point is typically the same — every body is worthy of love and respect. During this time of year, where many people are trying to lose weight and alter their bodies, it can be difficult to remember this. If you are someone who is struggling with body image, there are a couple key things to keep in mind.

Body positivity is not always an easy thing to reach. It takes time, diligence and belief in yourself. It’s not something that everyone automatically has; it’s something that you must actively pursue. It’s your relentless attempt to have a positive body image.

You have to accept the fact that you can appreciate another type of body or appearance, and still love yours as well. Helping others be body positive can be incredibly important. But, still love every part of what makes you who you are, as well.

In the end, it’s okay to admire and accept your body for exactly what it is. It’s also okay to want to change your body — if your intention is for yourself and your own health, rather than the standards set by others. Do what makes you happy, wear what makes you happy and keep striving to have a positive outlook on yourself and the skin you’re in. Love yourself through every stage your body goes through.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu