tassel dress + real talk about body image

Hi guys! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Apologies for getting this post up later than usual. I try and get my posts ready the night before, but didn’t really feel like working on Sunday night last night. Which brings me to my first question – I’ve heard from alot of people it’s best to publish your blog posts first thing in the morning – like by 7am. I’m legitimately wondering though what y’all think? Is that when you check blogs? I know with my favorite blogs/bloggers, I check their websites throughout the day, no matter what time it is. But, I would love y’alls feedback regarding that!

The next thing I want to be real with y’all about today is something that’s really personal and has been heavy on my heart recently: body image. It’s a real thing, every girl struggles with it, and I feel like (especially in the blogging/social media world) no one talks about it. So, let’s talk about it!

When I shot this chambray tassel dress (which I absolutely love!), it was the day after Memorial Day weekend. I had an awesome weekend with family, but definitely had ice cream sundaes every night, enjoyed burgers and fries, and just didn’t eat as clean as I normally do in day to day life (which is normal! it was a holiday weekend). So needless to say, when I shot this dress I wasn’t really feeling my best. I even debated not posting this look because when I went back and looked at the photos, I wasn’t pleased with how my body looked.

I’ll be real with y’all – blogging takes a struggle with body image and comparison to a whole nother level. I absolutely love blogging and am so thankful for each one of you who following along! But it makes me 100 times more aware of my need to run to the Lord for my significance and security. I’m constantly faced with having to shoot outfits after a holiday weekend of enjoying not so healthy foods, the struggle of comparing myself with other bloggers who are maybe thinner or more in shape than I am, and if I am not constantly going to the Lord to find my security, I would be an absolute hot mess.

So, I just wanted to share that with y’all in case you ever feel like “I’m the only none who struggles with comparison or body image”, or “bloggers just have it perfect and don’t struggle with that.” Because you are not alone! I also wanted to share some things that help me fight bad body image days or comparing:

Prayer. First and foremost this is your most powerful weapon. The second you start to think “I feel so fat today” or “why can’t I be as thin as she is”, turn to the Lord right away and ask Him for help. Confess that you’re feeling insecure and ask HIM to remind you of who you truly are, and who you truly are has NOTHING to do with a number on a scale or how you “feel” that morning.
Truth. Memorized Scripture and quote it back to yourself when you start doubting or forgetting where your true identity lies. One of my favorites is from Psalm 139: You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
Authenticity. Be real with your closest friends or community when you’re struggling, feeling insecure, or doubting your identity in Christ. Surround yourself with other women who are rooted and grounded in their faith in the Lord and ask for prayer and encouragement! The truth is, all of us as women struggle with body image/comparison on some level or another, so there is no need to try and fight this battle alone. You can’t do it alone!

So, today, I’m sharing these photos with you because I love this chambray tassel dress and because my beauty is not defined by how I ate the weekend before, or how tight my clothes might feel that morning. Regardless of those things, Christ looks at me and looks at you and says that you are chosen, you are His, and you are beautiful. Let’s walk boldly, gratefully, and joyfully in that identity today!

xo Lauren

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