An Ideal Body Positivity Playlist

Fat shaming has (unfortunately) taken to the social media skies, and many young people are brought up with a specific doll that exudes a specific social image. Not everyone has a small, petite build. No ones body is perfect. Like all lives matter; all bodies matter in return. If people are not happy with their self image, it rubs over into their self esteem, and can therefore cause stress on the body, of which leads to physical and mental illnesses.

It is ok to eat something a little unhealthy in moderation. Our bodies are our temple, and it is ok to indulge once in a while without any guilt attached. This is the only body we have. The aim is to treat it well and respect it, with its warts, scars, imperfections and all. It is hard pressed to find any individual who has not left the world with a brand new body to now have cracked teeth, stretch marks, and other marks that life leaves you. It is ok to show your acne and freckles without needing any make up. Yes, we have all been sunburnt from time to time, and nothing that aloe vera can instantly fix.

Some people are overweight because of their lifestyle patterns, namely in part due to a lack of exercise and/or their diet; while genetics plays a role with others. Some of us are able bodied, while not everyone is as fortunate. Some people have to endure amputations and teeth extractions. Some people go for cosmetic surgery, and it is not purely for vanity. Others are overweight due to thyroid challenges.

This is why body positivity is important. People do judge someone on their exterior. Sometimes it is an indication of how well people look after themselves. There could be another caveat; others may not have the personal funds to show to the world that they have had high levels of self esteem. No ones body is to be shamed. School kids can be mean, and bullying can have long-term repercussions for both parties.

Again, music has the power to heal. This is why yours truly has decided to put together a playlist that promotes body positivity, and to allow people to be comfortable in their own skin. Please note that this playlist is no substitute for counselling and therapy in such circumstances, yet such songs delicately remind us to be kind to our own bodies as part of being loving to ourselves. Loving your body comes with acceptance. Sure, yours truly have a small amount of belly fat, and I am healthy; yet I too need to appreciate that not every dress I try on is going to fit me. There are tools that we can use to help, like orthotics to relieve bunion pain without needing them surgically removed for example. We need to do the work, and that work begins with gratitude. When you are grateful for each and every part of your anatomy; your cells can pick up on that positive energy.

Now to the playlist, and these songs are not in any specific order. As always, you can customise the playlist towards what songs resonate with you:

1. My Body by Will Geer

This song is just a timely reminder for all of us, and that any form of abuse on the body is not ok. Yours truly has junior high school personal development classes to thank for the introduction of this catchy tune. Your body is your business, and vice versa.

2. Confident by Demi Lovato

Enough said. With a greater level of confidence comes more abundance in life. It is no different to the body that we have been given in this lifetime. There is nothing wrong with being confident at all, provided the ego is out of the way, and you are not being seen as being too cocky.

3. Beneath Your Beautiful by Labrinth

Although this song resonates with couples who are in love, and therefore are intimate with each other; this song reminds us that there is beauty with our bodies. For example, I had some skin cancer removed off my back when I was only eight years of age, and I still have a deep and annoying scar from that surgery today. Guess what? That scar is beautiful, because it shows that I survived that dreaded C word, and that I am alive and well today. There is beauty in every bodily function. I mean, our liver and kidneys flush out our toxins. Our eyes enable us to see. Our hands allow us to work, and to experience what we want to experience. Our teeth enable us to chew. With the right person in your life, you would let them see, touch, and appreciate all of it. A beautiful (no pun intended) song.

4. Video by India.Arie

No matter your size, shape or color - your body is your body, and it is unique and beautiful to you. This song is a timely reminder of that. I do paint my toes, and brush my hair and teeth. Every woman can relate to the shaving bit, and that is a-ok, and especially in winter. Every freckle on your face is on that part of your face for you. Unique to you. Unconditional love.

5. Unpretty by TLC

So true. You can spend a fortune on hair cuts and colourings, as well as braces for your teeth. Same on make up and beauty products; yet if you are not comfortable with who you are on the inside/with your own skin, then all of this external beauty feels superficial. If you love yourself, sleep well, eat well, exercise, and drink plenty of water to name - then those external things may not be needed. Well, not as much anyway. Skin gets brighter, and immune systems get strengthened with meditation. Those external things will be a treat when you have a high level of self esteem. This song also reminds you to eliminate all toxins in your life, and that includes toxic relationships. The buck starts and stops with you.

6. Born This Way by Lady Gaga

You sure were, and that is all perfect. Same with your bodies. Enough said.

7. Scars To You Beautiful by Alessia Cara

This one could (and probably would) cause a few of us to burst into tears. Especially if you have caused some bodily self harm in the past. Burns patients can certainly relate, as well as those who have recovered from something as significant as an eating disorder. It reminds you that sometimes there is no gain without some form of pain. Beauty goes beyond skin deep. Feel good, upbeat, and a much loved song. Do not change for changes sake, only because you feel inspired to. If you have lost hair due to undergoing cancer treatment; this song is for you. In fact, for anyone who had some bodily trauma, and therefore had to undergo surgery and other skin graft treatment. Yes you, you are beautiful just the way you are, scars and all.

8. Secrets by Mary Lambert

This song is empowering, and should remind you to stop comparing yourself to another person, appearance wise or otherwise.

9. You're Beautiful by James Blunt

This song is a timely reminder that all of us can be hard on ourselves, as well as on our bodies; even if they do not work the way we intended them to. It is what it is. Some people find us prettier than we find ourselves sometimes.

10. Crooked Smile by J Cole

Crooked teeth are more than welcome. Speaking from experience, after five years of painful orthodontic treatment; I still have a few crooked teeth; although that is better than any jaw overbite. Just do a search for the lyrics, and take a listen. This song is real and raw. We all have issues, even bodily ones. We are not given any problems that we cannot handle. Again, you are beautiful as you are. Yes - you.

What other songs would you add to this list, and why?

#bodypositivity