Let's Look Like 100 Likes In Person Instead

I’ve been sitting on this topic for some time now partly because I know it’s a sensitive topic for a majority of folks out there and I wanted to make sure I shared my thoughts and empowered others in a clear and sincere manner.

In the past year, many leading magazines and designer houses have finally been promoting all sizes. I think it’s a great initiative for women everywhere because, let’s be real, we all got tired of chasing after poster girl body types that are impossible to achieve without 10k+ cash and maybe shaving your ribs down. At the same time, on the other end of the spectrum, applications such as Instagram haven’t helped things. So many Instagram models and Kylie Jenner's of the world have gone on record to talk about how they had to starve themselves in previous pictures to look thin while still promoting the perfect skinny girl with T&A illusion. They're not leading by example and being true to themselves. Even Beyonce, unfortunately, was caught editing her thighs and we know she isn’t the only one participating. 

Until very recently I had no idea picturing-editing/photo-shopping was a thing for the average non-basic and basic betch out there. I did some research on how popular this is with our generation. Did you know 68% of adults edit their selfies before posting them? And I don’t mean filters and lighting, I mean straight up editing problem areas on the body or even make up to make themselves look a certain way on the gram/book. In a day and age where the media is promoting “accepting yourself”, why are we going overboard trying to make ourselves look slim and unrealistic? I’m not sure how much work that takes but have we ever thought what happens when people see each other in real life and notice that person doesn't look like they do online? What’s the point of getting 100+ likes on a picture if you aren't willing to look like that in person? Yes, we all have problem areas. Yes, we all have certain sides and angles that look best. All that is fair game. But if you have to spend more time and waste energy into editing and cleaning up your pictures then you might as well use that time to actually workout and achieve the body goal you edit for yourself, if you're really that unhappy. It’s not a lot of work, it just requires dedication and discipline.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “LOL okay Nicole, you’ve been skinny your whole life, you can’t talk". While you may think that is true, I was never fully comfortable with my body until a little while ago (cause who is?). Growing up, I avoided wearing crop tops and tight dresses, I never thought I looked good in them even if I was “small”. I was skinny fat, not in shape. A few years ago, I realized I had gained weight and didn’t look as toned as I thought (#PostGradProblems). I made the necessary lifestyle changes, started eating healthy and tried different work out studios and exercises but it wasn't an overnight change. From Pole Dancing and Cardio Barre to Boxing and Soul Cycle, I’ve done it all and it’s been tough but fun nonetheless. Today? I’m more confident with myself and the time I’ve invested to achieve the way I want to look so that I don’t have to think 10 times before wearing certain articles of clothing or posting up pictures. Know your body and figure out what approach works best, be it hitting the gym or finding a wardrobe that you're happy with. I'd rather prevent feeling bad about myself instead of relying on digital editing to fix that later on. The working out and healthy eating hasn’t stopped, it’s a part of my routine now and I truly enjoy it. By no means do I look like a model but I’m so proud of how I look and all the hard work has paid off over time. I mean, do you know how hard it is to say no to donuts and say yes to kale? Just kidding, you don't need to pick one over the other - you can always treat yourself ;)

I’m sharing this side of me because I want people to know that it doesn’t matter what size you are but instead, how healthy and proud you are to own it and how important it is to create and achieve the goals you set for yourself. Creating illusions and feeding insecurities through pictures are quick fixes that have no long term benefits. You can be a size 0 or a size 12 and as long as you’re working towards being fit and leading a healthy lifestyle, you will feel much more fulfilled than the average person who sits there for 30 minutes editing each and every pixel, but STILL messing up and making it apparent that they used a photo-editing app. We are all unique individuals and need to be more accepting of our flaws cause that’s what makes us us! I know that sounds cliché but it’s very true. If you don't like something, work on fixing it the healthy way instead of distorting yourself digitally. That being said, for me, there isn't another Nicole Mehta out there but there are a lot of Kylie Jenner’s and in this case, imitation isn't flattery.

#KeepItReal