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Summary

The article reflects on the personal journey of self-acceptance and the societal pressures that often dictate how one should perceive their own body.

Abstract

The piece titled "Nobody Told Me" delves into the author's revelation about the importance of loving one's body, a lesson that was never explicitly taught. It contrasts the value placed on academic achievements, like an MBA, with the personal struggle of body acceptance. The narrative touches on the societal expectations to conform and give oneself away, and the realization that self-love and acceptance are crucial for survival. The author shares the personal battle with weight fluctuations and the understanding that self-love is not contingent on external validation. The article concludes with a thank you to M.T. Pariti and Shereen Bingham for their contributions to the discourse on self-love and body positivity.

Opinions

  • The author was raised with the expectation to prioritize external achievements over personal well-being and self-love.
  • There is a societal norm to hide one's true self and to seek validation through others, rather than through self-acceptance.
  • The author emphasizes that the journey to self-love is independent of one's body size or shape, and that the constant pursuit of weight loss can lead to losing more than just pounds.
  • The article suggests that true contentment comes from within and that external love, while valuable, is not sufficient for emotional survival.
  • The piece acknowledges the impact of other writers' work on the theme of self-love, suggesting a collective narrative around the importance of embracing one's body.

Nobody Told Me

To love my body

Photo by Serhii Tyaglovsky on Unsplash

Nobody told me that my BMI is worth more than my MBA.

I was raised to hide under my skin. In between my toes and under fingernails. I was raised to give myself away, my body away. To lose myself in someone else. In something else.

Nobody told me that I could love my body. No one told me I was enough, that I was supposed to love my hair. Nobody told me that.

Nobody told me that those ten pounds I keep losing and gaining are still a part of me. That when I lose them, I’ll lose much more than weight.

Nobody told me that someone else’s love is not enough to survive in this body.

Nobody told me

Nobody told me

Nobody told me

Thank you for reading.

A huge shout out to M.T. Pariti and Shereen Bingham for their raw and beautiful writing. These two poems play together so well.

Body Image
Mental Health
Poetry
Love
Reciprocal
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