A terrifying discovery...

Source: awildvuvuzelaappeared.tumblr.com via katesome on Pinterest

Source: health-heaven.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Vik on Pinterest

Please. Tell me you are as disgusted as I am by these pins?

I was snooping about on pinterest for a pin that someone else had told me about. And I saw a word I didn't know. So I did what I always do when I come accross a word that I don't know. I looked into it.

I typed the word into pinterest to see if it would help me understand it a bit more.

And that's what I found.

Pinned under "Thinspiration"

Wait, what?

Is this seriously how far it has gone? Is this how women see themselves? Is this the kind of message we should be sharing with out daughters? That "6 is greater than 12"?

I am gobsmacked at this. I am so scared for Aislynn to grow up into this kind of world.

Source: tumblinfeminist.tumblr.com via Katzensprotte on Pinterest

Doesn't that scare you?

Because it terrifies me.

When I was told we were going to have a daughter, I have to say that my very first thought was, "shit."

Let me explain why.

I have always wanted to have sons, because I remember what it was like to be a 16 year old girl. I remember what it was like to be 18, hell, I know what it's like now. I don't have a perfect body, even less so since I had a baby. I am so insecure about my imperfections. After I have a shower, I turn to face the door to towel off so I don't catch a view in the mirror. I suffer in the summer and wear pants because wearing shorts means someone might see my chubby legs. I am constantly pulling at my clothes because I'm scared that people see what I see.

I know that it's terrible to be thinking all those things. I know that my worth is not measured by how much I weigh or if I am a "perfect" size 4. (seriously? That's the perfect size? Get real.) I know all these things, yet, I struggle with the insecurities, just like every other woman does.

I worry for Aislynn. I worry that she will fall prey to these cultural standards. I am so scared for her.

I need to set an example for my daughter though. I need to show her that being a woman is more than just how we look. Yes, I do need to tell her every day that she is beautiful, but I also need to tell her every day that she is smart. She is funny. She is inquisitive. She has value. She is independent. She is strong.

I also need to remember that she is going to be there, watching me judge myself. For every time I tell her she's smart, she's going to see me shy away from a mirror. Brush Cuinn's hand away from my stomach. Cover myself up as much as possible.

We, as woman, need to take control of our insecurities. We need to encourage each other to love who, and what shape, we are. We need to remember that the younger generation is watching and learning from us.

So, my promise to Aislynn, and all other young girls, is this.

I promise that I am going to be proud of who I am. I am going to rock my curves. I am going to show off my intelligence  I am going to accept compliments when they come my way. I am going to walk tall and be proud of the woman I have become.

Because if we aren't proud of ourselves. If we don't truly love our bodies. If we don't flaunt our talents, how could we ever expect others to love and respect us?