If you’re a regular reader of this blog you will already know that I believe every woman is REAL.
This might seem like a strange statement but think about it. Does our size – and the arbitrary numbers or letters on a piece of clothing – make us any more or less real than the next woman?
Whether you’re petite, athletic, curvy or anything in between you are beautifully REAL.
And don’t you forget it.
I know, I know, it’s ok for me to sit here and preach this. Body acceptance is a tough gig for anyone – especially women – to embrace.
For me, it’s a daily process.
I’ll be honest with you.
My body’s never been “bikini-ready” but it has produced three amazing kids. My legs get me places. And my arms may be of the tuckshop variety but their good for handing out cuddles.
As for that number on the scales? Despite a healthy food intake, it’s always fluctuating – often wildly in one day – thanks to a non-existent thyroid.
So, the way I figure it, I can either cloak myself in a black sack or I can make clothing, hair and beauty choices that help me to show off the real me. That help show off my style.
This attitude has been a work in progress for a many, many years. What I aim to do is not let a certain number on the scales or on my clothing stop me from making ME a priority.
I refuse to give my sense of style some kind of ultimatum. I refuse to say, oh I’ll worry about what I wear when I lose 5, 10 or 15kg.
And you should do.
It’s not about the next 5kg. It’s about NOW.
You deserve to feel the best you can now, not just at some unknown point in the future, don’t you think?
And if you are on a concerted weight-loss campaign, I believe this way of thinking is just as important.
Sure there may be budgetary constraints but if you don’t embrace your new style and confidence with select clothing pieces as you lose weight, then in my experience it’s going to be difficult to stay motivated to reach any goals you set.
You’re entitled to – and should aim to – feel your fabulous EVERY day.
Style work
Where is your head space on this?
Are you happy with your body how it is today? Or are you saving any new clothes purchases or beauty treats for a day in the future where you think you deserve them?
Are you ready for me to get all woo-woo-meets-Oprah again?
Here’s a little gratitude exercise when those negative body thoughts creep in:
1. Think of three things you are grateful your body can do.
2. Say them out loud.
3. While looking in your bathroom mirror.
4. NAKED!
HAH! Got you there, didn’t I? Give it a try every day for a week and let me know how you go. REAL women, hear me roar 
PS. Don’t forget if you want to share any of your progress along the way via photos, you can upload them in the comments or share via Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #unlockyourstyle and make sure you tag me so I can find it (@stylingyou). Facebook uploads to my page are welcome too.
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** The Styling You Holiday Style Camp {Unlock Your Style in 14 Days} is based on the Styling You Manifesto. If you don’t have your own, you can download it here. I’ll also be giving away a proper printed Styling You Manifesto from The Smile Collective every day to the reader who catches my eye with their comments and participation.
Unlock Your Style in 14 Days (Day 4 manifesto winner): Kelly Isaacs. Kelly, could you please email me your postal address: nikki@stylingyou.com.au
