The Weight Issue

I have recently had discussions with many of my close friends about the pressures of being thin and having a positive self image. So many of my friends are suffering from eating disorders and it pains me to watch. They are all gorgeous girls and the least of their worries should be about the number on the scale. I feel like so many girls suffer from a negative self image and the centre of that is their weight and their eating habits. Its an issue that is discussed over and over. Yet so many girls are haunted by this demon. Who is it that we are trying to be super skinny for? Our friends? Our families? Boys? Ourselves? What is the ideal body weight?

I personally have never suffered from problems with my weight or have felt any pressure to be thin. That's not to say I don't have my "fat" days or the days when I am like wow I should probably eat some fruit or something seeing as I can't remember the last time I had an apple. But for the most part I have always been content with my body. When my one friend told me that she was recently suffering from issues with how she looked and wasn't eating I was shocked. I have know her for a number of years and she has always been around the same weight and has always been skinny.

Dear Friend*,

You are a beautiful person inside and out. You are a wonderful, caring, thoughtful person and an amazing friend. You are unique and special in your own way and have made my life better and more positive for so many reasons. Even if you can't believe it yourself know that I believe that you are gorgeous just the way you are right now. I do not need to you change in anyway. I love you just the way you are. Do not let anyone make you feel bad about yourself. They are not worth your time or energy. You place so much emphasis on what you feel is "bad" but forget all the good. If you need it I can come up with a list of reasons of what makes you beautiful and special. I believe in you and I want you to get better. I am here for you.

I love you,

belle

*I have a lot of this to many of my friends who are suffering from eating disorders and thought I would share it here with you all.