Body image and
body positivity are two subjects that are hotly discussed in society. While we're trying to move away from a world of body shaming, we are still quick to criticise people (particularly women) for being either
too fat or too skinny. While there is no definition of the 'perfect body', many women still feel under pressure to replicate the looks of the Kardashians and the
Jenners.
However, one woman who is trying to change that is Iskra Lawrence. Lawrence, who is a model and body positivity blogger, took to Instagram to share a body transformation photo with a bit of a twist. While the majority of these photos tend to feature dramatic weight loss, Lawrence decided to share her healthy weight gain in order to empower and inspire other people.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BdGh4VShaBn/?taken-by=iskra]]
The 27-year-old posted the photo, saying:
"I remember being proud of how skinny I looked during this shoot. And how now people call me fat when I’m just happy to be alive and grateful for this body I call my home."
I used to seek approval from the fashion industry and tried to be “perfect”. I thought if I looked like “her” (an unrealistic beauty ideal), I’d be happy, successful and loved."
"All I found was failure."
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd-uZUChqY3/?taken-by=iskra]]
Lawrence says that she spent years focussing on seeking approval from others, but realised that it wasn't worth the time and energy. She turned her attention to self-care and love and now claims that it is a message that she is passionate about spreading.
"I share my experiences with you all because if you are feeling like I did there is another way and those recovering from EDs you’re not alone. The best thing I ever did was focus on looking after myself and being the best me I could be."
The model has now started 'everyBODYwithiskra', an online platform which will promote fitness, health and wellbeing. Lawrence claims that she wants people to use the platform in order to increase their feelings of self-love and appreciation. She finishes her message saying that while she knows that she is not perfect, she wants to provide others with the support that she lacked when growing up.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BbSfLStB0b_/?taken-by=iskra]]
"I am meant to be here just like you, and we were all created to be imperfectly perfect. I started investing time into self-care, doing things that made me happy. Listening to my body and mind and nourishing them both, without guilt."
"I don’t have all the answers and I’m not ever
trying to change anyone or tell people to do this and that etc. But I felt the need to create this as I wish I could have had this when I was struggling and if I’m able to use that to help even one person even better."
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BbFbeRqhJfr/?taken-by=iskra]]
Lawrence has almost four million followers on Instagram and a number of them felt inspired by her message of body positivity and acceptance. “You are amazing. I know you don’t know me but I have also suffered from an ED and now just got out of it,” one user wrote. “And you’re absolutely right, happiness comes with real joy for who you are, acceptance of the true you and to blossom by this," said another.
Lawrence undoubtedly has a powerful message to push and with body transformation posts like the one above, she has found a pretty effective way of getting her point across.
