Our relationship with social media has always been a complicated one. Although it has given us a platform to celebrate our achievements and empower ourselves, it also tends to be one of the main reasons why most people feel even more inadequate. Seeing unrealistic standards—be it a perfect body or a successful career—all over our feeds has made every day a struggle to achieve perfection.
But here’s the thing: Perfection is an illusion. It’s a filter, a photoshopped photo, a carefully curated post to make everyone believe that there is a specific criterion to live our lives, and if you don’t meet it, then you’re just not worth it. But perfection is subjective, and at the end of the day, who are we even trying to be perfect for? Is it for the likes? For people who we don’t even truly know? The people who truly matter accept you for who you are anyway, so why can’t you embrace yourself?
That being said, in celebration of International Women’s Month, Preview is all about encouraging women to unapologetically embrace themselves and defy society's unrealistic standards of beauty. For our #BePrevYOU campaign, several influencers and celebrities have joined the cause and opened up about their so-called "flaws" and how they’ve learned to accept and even celebrate them. We hope that their inspiring messages will motivate you to do the same.
These Empowering Women Will Convince You to #BePrevYOU
1. Ria Atayde
"Having grown up as a big girl, I have always been insecure about my body—I always saw my body as a flaw in its entirety. Through time and with the support of all those who matter to me, I have learned that people will love me without having to consider how I look physically and that inspired me to embrace and celebrate my flaws. If those around me can love and accept me, why can't I do the same?"
2. Andi Eigenmann
"One day I decided that I was going to find my way [toward] becoming the best version of myself for my children. I found happiness and contentment by taking care of myself, in order to be a good example to my children. I think that being a mother has a way of granting us the courage of facing the world with grace, in a way that every negative thing easily withers away like dust."
3. Michelle Dy
"A lot of girls are very insecure [about their flabs] because society has this unrealistically high standard that says the perfect body has to be lean, fit, and [flab-free]. I just want to tell all the women out there that these [flabs] you have, believe it or not, are actually very attractive. [Flabs] make you real and it makes you human. And nothing is more attractive than a woman who is real, unapologetic, accepting, and secure about herself and her body. A [truly] confident woman doesn’t see these as flaws but sees these as part of her unique qualities that make her [one of a kind]."
4. Geneva Cruz
"Live by YOUR definition of beauty. It’s essential to accept yourself for everything that you are… it is not only life-changing; it is also freeing."
5. Inka Magnaye
"I still get insecure about things like weight gain, some extra jiggle, and cellulite, but I have to remember that my body constantly changes because it is a symptom of living. When I saw this photo, I remembered the statues of Grecian goddesses in museums all over the world. And that’s when I realized that, through the softness of my curves or the bulk of my muscle, there is beauty in my body."
6. Rica Peralejo
"Coning due to diastasis recti can be such an eyesore and discouraging when you see it [while] you work out. But remembering that a woman’s body has the capability to tear and repair through the violent orchestrations of pregnancy and birth, makes me not only less ashamed but even proud of its extraordinary capabilities. Above all, that the coning signifies life at the expense of another is wonder and beauty with which no cosmetic can ever compare. Flawlessness can be enviable, but brokenness due to another is admirable because there is that tremendous testimony of strength, meaning, and value, in the imperfection."
7. Camille Prats
"The best thing that happened to me was when I became a mom. I used to be so sad about my stretchmarks and the outfit limitations it entails. But now I realize that my scars are the best reminder that my tummy was once a safe space for them to grow until they were ready to be in my arms. Loud and proud!"
8. Ayn Bernos
"I’ve been self-conscious about my round cheeks lately because it’s the first thing people notice whenever I gain weight. I’m reminding myself that this is not a flaw, but a feature I’ve been uniquely blessed with. I’m youthful, I’m glowing, and I am more than the numbers that fluctuate."
9. Valeen Montenegro
"Usually, people say 'walang boobs'. My body is straight. 'Walang curves'. 'Mukhang lalaki'. [But] I acknowledge all my flaws! My flaws make me unique and I have learned to celebrate and embrace [them] and use [them] to my advantage. I can make fun of myself and not take what others say about me too seriously. I am humbled by my flaws and I love the way that makes me feel."
What about you? What "insecurity" did you have growing up that you've finally learned to embrace? Share your story with us on social media using the tag #BePrevYOU! [previous|page|next]
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