What is body image? How does it affect us?

Body image is an individual's personal perception of their own physical appearance.  This is you looking in the mirror and seeing your body's shape, size, and color.  Society usually has its own perception of perfection or what is attractive physically in a person.  Whether it's large breast, symmetrical face, or physical fitness and a six-pack, these views of what is attractive may vary to each individual. However, we all have that image of what is good looking and we all have something about our own body image that isn't quite what we'd like them to be. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the total number cosmetic surgeries of 2014 in the US was over one and a half million. Majority of those who get cosmetic surgery had the motivation to change their body image to conform to what they believe is attractive or perfection. More teens are looking into plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons only earlier in life especially with the huge impact and influence social media, friends, and family have on our views of what is an attractive body. Social media has a big role on teenage views of body image because it constantly bombards kids' brains with images of celebrities and models who are deemed as having great bodies.  Teenagers should embrace flaws and impurities, learning that nobody is perfect.  Accepting yourself for who you are, both physically and mentally, can lead to less stress, less insecurities, and more happiness!

please check out this great video on body image and how to deal with it! (note that you might have to watch on your own time as school networks may content block this video)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi6kPuZrsbKAhXH2T4KHXBzBkIQtwIIHDAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DIgqMqtnTJeE&usg=AFQjCNG49Q-V_WvNLrJVG8ObDN_CNwfoDg&sig2=ySjMa2VbE3tSkdsXxUaPSQ

Have any questions, stories, or opinions you'd like us to receive or talk about? Submit them here!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11uyfPP87rDJRup5DlrgcTU9f9KeoOyL_4bTMFSN0AV4/edit?uiv=1

(3) Literature Connection

Starting Today - Unknown

Starting today:

I'm going to live my life to the fullest.

I'm going to have no regrets for yesterday.

I'm going to forget about all the bad experience

I've had in the past.

I'm going to do my self a favor -

To forget about the burdens,

To forget about the pains,

To forget about the hurts.

Starting today:

I won't let anyone tell me that I can't.

I won't let anyone get in my way.

I will do things on my own.

I'm going to be my self's best coach,

And I'm going to be a good leader for myself.

Starting today:

I won't waste time on the things that I cannot change.

I won't waste time trying to change what's in the past.

I won't waste time trying to be someone I'm not.

I won't waste time trying to hide my situation.

I won't waste time worry about what people say about me -

Or my situation.

Starting today:

I'm going to live like I won't live again;

I'm going to smile like I won't smile again.

I'm going to do well in everything that I do with no regrets.

And I'm going to shape my life for the better.

        This piece literature truly shows the "medicine" to insecurities and how it connects to our topic perfectly. Not only have I read about this as a treatment but I personally highly believe that happiness is the key to overcoming insecurities. This poem repeats the words, "Starting today". This statement shows that everyday is a new day. That you should live everyday to the fullest and to try and let go of your worries. Insecurities can get people into really low places and to simply just be happy makes such a big difference. Being okay with yourself and loving yourself helps not only yourself but people around you.

(2) Literary Connection

Suffocated 

By: Ileana Leon (2016)

My biggest fear is to be alone with my thoughts,

To be surrounded by the past,

Stalked by what could've been, what should've been,

Swallowed whole by my mistakes,

I guess it can be said that my biggest fear is myself,

And being eaten alive by the insecurity I mask day by day,

Who smiles when internally she cries for help,
The person that hides behind the red lips, the soft brown eyes,

The person who is suffocated .

I can relate to this poem by Leon to our topic about insecurities. People these days especially teens, are really complicated and hard to understand due to having various internal conflicts. They have so many problems that they fear to express their own thoughts and opinions because they are covered with insecurities. They are scared to voice their own problems, thoughts, and opinions because they fear that they won't be able to cope what other will think about them. Many teens in this generation are very joyous and energetic, but deep inside they are sad and trying their hardest to get over their problems, as the quote says "I am intrigued by the smile upon your face, and the sadness within your eyes." (Jeremy Aldana) They are using their smiles to cover and mask themselves away from sadness to others. I can also relate to the poem because as a teen, I also have few problems that are hidden inside of me. Everyone who knows me, personally or not, know that I am a very happy and funny person, but they don't know my insecurities. It's a pleasure for me to make people happy. I am using the positive side of my personality to cope from my insecurities, are you willing to do it as well?

Leon, Ileana. "Poems by Ileana Leon." Poems by Ileana Leon. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Jan. 2016.

Lit. Connection

"Why Not You?" by Steve Maraboli       

Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?

Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?

Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?

Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?

Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?

Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?

Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?

Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?

Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?

Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, and so much more. Why not you?

Today is a new day!
Many will seize this day.
Many will live it to the fullest.
Why not you?

         I connected our topic of insecurity and its effects with this poem. People with insecurities may develop deeper issues of self-consciousnesses and could possibly fall into depression. Today society sees teen depression and suicide more than any other time before, being introduced to suicide-preventing school programs and community awareness events.  I went to a suicide awareness walk last year, and I still remember all of the families and friends who have lost loved ones to depression and suicide, many of which started with the burden of insecurity. I still remember all of the photos of young adults and kids and notes written on them from their family saying that they wished they could've helped.  Feeling anxious, uncomfortable, and depressed can effect your daily life and your views. Feeling confident and uplifted from your peers is essential to human nature.  It is instinct to find yourself in your community and receive acceptance.  I believe that this poem is talking to those who are insecure and who lets their insecurities take over their happiness and their lives. Why do you think people let their sadness control themselves and limit their capabilities of living better lives?  

Insecurity Survey

Please take our survey and help us with our research :) All results will remain anonymous.

 Thank You So Much ❤️‍

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PC3JSWS

Since insecurity is such a controversial and a very personal problem in our society today especially for us, teens, our group decided to make a survey for us to know the personal feedback of teens ages 13 to 19 about how insecurities affect our daily lives. 

These are some results:

Q3: If you have any insecurities, what are they?

Q4: If you have any insecurities, how does it affect your daily life or emotions?