May 13th - 19th is #MentalHealthAwareness week and this year, the theme is body image. We've asked a handful of our Brastop Babes to take part with us by writing a guest blog post to help sprinkle a little body lovin'! Here's what full-time babe Lauren has to say:
Self love is the hardest but one of the most rewarding kinds of love there is.
Hey babes! So some of you may already know me, I’m Lauren Dungey. A mother, blogger and undies lover from Somerset! I’m a plus size, body confident woman who loves to share my love of all things fashion and underwear.
I’m currently a size 18 and wear a 36H bra size. I’m currently the biggest I've ever been but funnily enough the most confident I've ever been! But, I’ve not always been body confident. At the age of 16 I was going through real body image struggles, it led me down a dark path. One that took a lot of time, support and self love to get through. But I’m getting there. Self love is the hardest but one of the most rewarding kinds of love there is.
One thing that I’ve found has really helped me with my own body image is lingerie. I find lingerie empowering. Especially when it’s a gorgeous set, that fits perfectly. Underneath you feel like a goddess! And no one around you has a clue, a matching set is always a winner for me too.
Some days I still suffer with my own body image, but over the last few years I’ve learnt a few tricks to turn those ‘bad body’ days around. Top tip number one: finding a photo where you looked unreal girl! Then finding that outfit, that lippy, that smile! And looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking, do you know what? You got this!
If you’re struggling with any body image issues and you’re looking to be more confident, find your inner sass! Love you just as you are. Then you don’t have to change the number on the scale, or the size label on a pair of jeans. It all takes baby steps but you need to change the way your mind sees you! Turn the negative thoughts into positive. Focus on what you do love about you. Surround yourself with positive people. Look at bodies similar to yours, surround yourself with positive body image talk, social media can actually be great to relate to! Hidden amongst gorgeous insta models are women and men who look just like you. Find confidence through them, and think if they can do it, I can!
It’s time to accept you, to embrace you.
One of my biggest celebrity influences is Felicity Hayward. I can relate to her so much, not just with the way her body is but her spirit, her happiness. I look at her and know if I bought the same dress our outfit I would feel just as incredible!
So what are you waiting for, it’s time to accept you, to embrace you. It’s a long journey, but you’ve got this 💕
