THE POWER OF BODY SELF ESTEEM
And Why It’s So Vital for Women.
“As a person born with spina bifida I was concerned how I might look. I am confident in myself but try always to hide whats not perfect. I was pictured standing and sitting where you can see I’m different but I am comfortable with this, I am different and I did this to embrace this. The pictures including full length and some that showed parts of my body I would normally cover were beautiful”
Maybe you think that a Boudoir shoot is a self indulgent extravagance? Actually, it’s one of the kindest and most important gifts you can give yourself and/or the person you love.
Why?
Because tragically 80% of women have low body esteem and self-doubt holds them back.
That’s right, 80%!!
source : Dove Self-Esteem and Social Media Report (April 2022)
In today’s world, where beauty standards are often distorted and unrealistic, cultivating a positive body image and self-esteem has become increasingly important, for everyone, of course, but particularly for women.
The power embedded in the way women perceive and embrace their bodies is not merely a matter of aesthetics; It is a profound force that influences mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Body self-esteem encompasses our thoughts, emotions, and attitudes towards our bodies as a whole.
It helps to form our lifelong mindset.
This is the inner dialogue that only you hear but which is much louder and holds greater weight than almost anything anyone else can say to you.
This critical self-judgement also influences how women perceive and engage in relationships.
You see, Body self-esteem is intricately linked to how individuals perceive and value themselves.
For women, societal expectations and media representations often dictate unrealistic standards, fostering a culture of comparison that can erode self-worth.
The power of body self-esteem lies in its ability to serve as a counterforce to these external pressures, allowing women to define beauty on their own terms and celebrate the uniqueness of their bodies.
A Negative body image can create barriers to emotional intimacy and connection with a partner. Yet the reality is that your partner thinks you are beautiful but, frustratingly, you won’t accept that. (Look at it this way… If you’re not good enough but your partner chose you, doesn’t that mean that your partner isn’t worthy of any better? In other words, your self loathing is a slight on your partner’s character as well.)
So, consider this… If we could just manage to turn your thinking around and get you to really believe in your own beauty and self-worth then wouldn’t that also be a more positive reflection on your partner as well?
So, why are women so mean to themselves? So hyper-focused on perceived flaws that they aren’t able to see the whole picture?
At Madison Bou, we don’t have the answer to ‘why’ but we do have the ability to create images that will show you the beautiful truth.
We know, because we’ve done this so many times before, there is a hugely positive (and long term) impact on a woman’s overall well-being.
A healthy body self-esteem acts as a safeguard for mental health.
When a women embraces her body with love and acceptance, she is better equipped to navigate the challenges of life.
Positive body self-esteem contributes to emotional resilience, providing a foundation for coping with stress, setbacks, and judgments from society at large.
On the other hand, negative body self-esteem can lead to anxiety, depression, and a range of mental health issues, highlighting the pivotal role that body self-esteem plays in women's overall well-being. (It’s truly frightening how many women, young women in particular, we meet who look like models and yet suffer inexplicably from such poor self-esteem that leads to eating disorders, body dysmorphia or self harming. We see it far too often and it only seems to be getting worse.
When a womsn feels secure in her body, she is more likely to assert herself, pursue goals, and engage fully in various aspects of her life.
A positive body image enabling a woman to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and redefine her role in society. This form of self-belief and confidence can really enable you in so many ways.
A positive body self esteem can become the catalyst for women to step into their power and contribute authentically to the world around them.
A woman's relationship with her body profoundly influences her relationships with others.
A foundation of positive body self-esteem contributes to healthier connections, fostering intimacy, trust, and mutual respect.
Conversely, negative body image may lead to self-isolation, inhibiting the ability to form meaningful connections.
So, the power of body self-esteem extends beyond individual well-being, influencing the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.
The conclusion to all this is that the power of body self-esteem for women is immense, shaping not only individual lives but also contributing in no small way to transforming society overall.
It is a force that transcends superficial notions of beauty, delving into the realms of mental health, empowerment, and relationship dynamics.
Encouraging women to cultivate positive body self-esteem is not merely an act of self-love; it is an investment in a more resilient, empowered, and compassionate world for all.
Have a look at what our amazing past clients have said about their experiences in the CLIENTS section and see for yourself just how positive this experience can be.
