Retail Body Shaming

Body shaming is something men and women are exposed to on a daily basis- certain body types are underrepresented in the media or presented as undesirable. Clothing Brands are no exception to the rule; they advertise their clothes on models who are tall and slim, some stores do not carry xxs or xxl sizes and people leave feeling shame towards their body from interactions made during their shopping experience. 

Shopping should be like therapy! It should make you feel good and happy, after getting a cute outfit or finally getting that expensive dress on SALE, but that isn't always the case- sometimes the experience is ruined and you leave feeling bad about yourself by a few simple words or phrases. 

"This is final sale, you tried it on right?" Yes, thank you for letting me know for the tenth time. I did try it on, it fits great..thank you for implying I would need to return it. 

"Is this for you?" Uh-huh..this is for me. Is there a reason you would ask that? Like maybe you think this certain item wouldn't look good on me. 

"Do you need a bigger size" Thank you for loudly pointing out that my usual size no longer fits. 

Though these phrases may not seem like a big deal or sound rude in any way, you never know how someone feels about their body. Someone may be super confident and the comments won't mean anything, but if someone is insecure or unhappy with how they look- these simple interactions can seriously affect how someone sees and feels about themselves. If you work in retail, why not trying these phrases out? 

"Just wanted to remind you that these items will be final sale" "Oh this is super cute!" "Did you need a different size" "Can I help you with anything" 

The intention is never to hurt another's feelings but involuntarily certain actions and comments can have an affect. Being conscious and using positive speech can not only save you from sounding bitchy (sorry!) but you can really make a difference in someone's day.  

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Hectic Schedule vs. Healthy Living

You hear it over and over and over (x10) about how people have no time to exercise and live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I am guilty of having used this excuse for many years, and I am sad that I didn't get on this healthy living bandwagon earlier. 

It took me a while to realize that the only person who was suffering from my "crazy" schedule and "no time" was me, and when you really think about it- you can always make time to do something great for yourself. It's not difficult, it doesn't take a significant amount of time, it just takes a few tweaks to your lifestyle and before you know it, you can't imagine your life any differently. 

Here are some easy ways to start living a healthier and more active lifestyle: 

• Balance | No need for a strict diet and restricting what you eat. Just make sure that you are getting enough of what you need and not going overboard in indulgence. If you want something, get it- one "bad" meal won't ruin good habits. 
• Prepare For Success | If you aren't filling your fridge and pantry with wholesome and nutrient filled food, then you most likely won't eat it. When grocery shopping, stock up on fruit, veggies and other healthy and filling foods that will satisfy your body's needs. 
• Set A Schedule | If you don't have time, make time! Wake up early and workout, not only will you feel fantastic the rest of the day but there are so many benefits to early morning workouts. If you aren't a morning person, try fitting short workouts or walks during and after work and/or classes.  
• Do Something You Love | Find something that you just can't live without - whether it's a fitness class, such as; Zumba, Yoga, Spinning or Barre. Do something that motivates you to do more-  once you start feeling great, you won't want to stop there and you will look for more ways to get moving. 
• Get Started | This is your time to do something great and to inspire those around you. You can be living an endorphin-high life, feeling and looking great and knowing that you were able to tackle your barriers and rise up over all the doubts and insecurities. 

It may not be easy at first, but if you just give it your all and commit to change- you will be on the road to success. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

"Ideal" Female Body

When you start looking back in time at how much the standards of women's bodies have changed, you see an evolution. Just like fashion and beauty trends, the ideal female body is constantly changing throughout time. What is normal in this era, may not have been desirable in the past or be desirable in the future. 

Personally, I'm not one for trends...I like what I like, I am who I am and you either like it or not (sorry, not sorry!). I was taught to be my own person and I grew up with the drilled idea, that is pretty much summed up by this saying: "if your friends jump off a bridge, doesn't mean you should too". Since then, I have made a point to always stay true to myself because when you look in the mirror, you should like the person looking back at you. 

Thigh gap, large breast, flat stomach or not! Someone is going to love you just the way you are (cue Bruno Mars). So love and be kind to yourself! Don't stress out over what you have or don't have- you are unique, beautiful and have so much to be grateful for. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

Why I Love Dancing?

There's something about music and the way my body can just feel the beat. From my feet all the way to my head, something takes control and I just need to move. 

As a child, dancing was everything to me. I loved being in front of an audience and showing off, the way people smiled and praised me was amazing. Dancing made me feel invincible! In my pre-teens, dance was something of the past- I was morbidly shy, never getting out of my chair when music was playing, even though every muscle in my body wanted me too. Being the centre of attention was not on my agenda, I just wanted to disappear and dance in secret. 

It wasn't until I attended a Zumba class, that I was able to let loose and just be. I realized how much I had missed dancing, it was something that made me feel limitless and strong. Getting certified and being able to share something I love, changed me. I feel confident, happier and more myself - when I am dancing, I am 100% me. 

Being able to be creative, silly, care-free that is something that I am able to do everyday and sharing that feeling, the feeling that nothing else matters at that moment,  is what I hope to do. 

The way I can't help but smile when I dance, is the reason I love it so much. 

xoxo, 

Natalie 

The Definition of 'Healthy'

What is healthy? What does it mean to be healthy? In today's society, the idea of healthy living is at an all time high. Whether its going to the gym, running, eating healthy or going vegan; so many people have joined the wellness living tribe and have become conscious of what they put into their body. 

Even though this is a great movement, I think that an important concept has been left out and ignored by so many people- the idea of self-love and acceptance, has been pushed to the side by tone and fit idealism. Being confident and comfortable in your own skin, should be what everyone is talking about. Acceptance and inclusion of all body types, should be included in the media; while support and understanding to those who have chosen to become a better version of themselves, shouldn't be questioned. 

Not only, do you have to worry about being too big- now being too skinny, is something to be concerned about. Whether people make assumptions about you; having an eating disorder or being lazy, you will never win against the impossible idea of the perfect body. Instead of trying to live up to unrealistic expectations and do things for the wrong reasons, why not be thankful for what you have? 

Believe that you are beautiful and that no number on a scale, defines you as a person. 

Once you realize this, you will feel amazing! If you choose to eat healthy and workout, that's fantastic. Make sure that whatever it is that you decided, you are doing it for yourself and not to fit a mold- you will feel at peace and will actually stick & reach your goals quicker. 

beYOUtiful! 

xoxo, 

Natalie