As women, our relationship with our bodies has always been a little complicated. As we grow older, we have to keep up with ever-changing definitions of beauty set by our society. However, the truth of the matter is that we might always be a little too skinny, too curvy, and too much of everything for the rest of the world. But, what really matters is how we see ourselves.
Recently, Balika Vadhu actor Avika Gor shared her own struggle with her body on social media and took her fans through her journey of transformation. She explained the need to love and respect your body and to do everything in your power to nourish it, and it is truly inspirational.
Avika posted a beautiful picture on her Instagram handle wearing a gorgeous saree in yellow and pink. While the young actress looked like sunshine, her caption was even more heartwarming. Avika poured her emotions into words and explained what pushed her in the first place to even think about losing weight and getting fit. She wrote, “I still remember one night last year, when I looked at myself in the mirror & I broke down. I didn’t like what I saw. Big arms, legs, a well earned belly. I had let go too much.”
On a side note guys, we think Avika looks oh-so-stunning in this minimal makeup look. Guess what? These MyGlamm products will help you steal her style! You’re welcome ladies 🙂
Coming back to her story, what people don’t realise is that most transformation stories that have a happy ending don’t always begin from a very happy place. People often face insecurities, doubt their physical appearance and want to change how they look. However, before you start criticizing your looks or attempt to change it, ask yourself why you are doing it. If it is because you want to fit into some arbitrary beauty standards set by society and social media, then you really need to reevaluate things–because those standards will completely change in the blink of an eye! Gaining or losing weight should be your individual call so that you get healthier, fitter, and love yourself better.
Avika explained it better, saying, “If it were due to an illness (Thyroid,PCOD, etc), it would be okay because that would be out of my control. But, it happened because I ate anything & everything, and I didn’t workout at all. Our bodies deserve to be treated well, but I didn’t respect it. As a result, I disliked the way I looked so much that I couldn’t even completely enjoy dancing (which I love) without thinking “how I must look right now“. I got so busy judging myself & feeling bad that I didn’t leave any scope for outsiders to make me feel bad.”
Our mental health has a lot to do with our physical appearance. Excessive weight gain or loss can be a sign of poor mental health, but can also trigger mental illness. Like Avika said, people consciously and subconsciously are always concerned about the way they look. Dissatisfaction, unrealistic beauty standards, and body-shaming are some of the things that can really take a toll on someone’s mind. Always remember that you need to be kind to others but more importantly, to yourself. It is only when you start loving yourself and your body that you realise what is best for you.
And, that is what Avika really did. Her journey was not a result of self-hate but self-love. She further concluded her caption by writing, “Well, one fine day I decided that it was enough, and that I must evolve. Nothing changed overnight. I just started to focus on the right things… things that I should be proud of (like dancing). I kept trying to eat better & working out, and I had various setbacks. But, it was important that I didn’t stop. And my people were constantly there to guide me. Long story short, I looked at myself in the mirror this morning & I didn’t feel the need to look away. I smiled at myself, and told myself that I’m beautiful. And you, the person reading this, you are beautiful as well. We all have a lot to offer & we must actively work on that, rather than feeling sad about what we can’t do. But, we MUST do what’s in our control.”
Avika truly is an inspiration. She’s certainly left her fans with a positive message, and we hope it will help people treat themselves with more love.
Feature Image: Instagram
