Changes

As proponents for a wider definition of beauty, at times many of us forget that the pressure is always there -- no matter what size jeans you wear, or what generation you are. We have a tendency to bash "skinny" girls and embrace the curvy but I urge all of you to embrace ALL body types, even those the media is projecting! What we need to learn to do is promote healthy bodies... a meaning that is different for each of us.

In my junior year of high school I peaked somewhere around 180lbs. Since then, I've lost a lot of weight -- mostly through changes in what I eat (but not dieting or starving) and increased physical activity (where I come from, you drive to go sit somewhere... in college, I'm constantly walking). I used to think if I could ONLY get down to 120lbs, my world would be perfect. This past summer I caught the flu and was sick in bed for a couple days, unable to eat/hold anything down. While I didn't reach my 120 "goal," I did get closer than I ever had.., loosing almost 10lbs while under the weather. Looking in the mirror, I cringed. I looked weak, breakable. Going to sleep at night was difficult as my bony knees sharply stabbed each other.

I wondered what had happened. I see girls all the time who look healthy and athletic at 120, instead of the sad, pathetic look I carried for a week while I tried to gain it all back. It was then I had an epiphany -- the number REALLY, TRULY IS NOT IMPORTANT. Your 'best' body, is bound to be very different than MY 'best' body... and that's completely okay and normal! What's important is the size YOU feel best. My current weight has been about the same for a while now, and I'm happy with it. I'm also extremely happy because it's the HEALTHIEST I've ever been. My newly made friends don't think of me like my high school friends did: always sick, searching WebMd for some clue to what was so perpetually wrong with me.

We have a tendency to believe that whatever works for everyone else will work for us -- clothes, guys, and the number on the scale. The truth is, it's probably the same reason I don't buy one-size-fits-all clothing... sure, I get that it does fit all... but if it's not going to fit FABULOUSLY, what's the point?

Dani Drazin

Creative Director

Give Thanks

The leaves have turned into a warm orange and brown and the weather is getting progressively colder. The pressure is on with finals, yet I am focused right now on one thing, my personal growth. This year has been so successful on so many different levels. Students for Real Beauty has made such a beautiful outreach to little girls all across the community. During workshops it almost seemed like they were teaching me something rather than me teaching them. I have goosebumps.

This year has flown by. I've learned so much about myself as a leader. My self esteem has grown with Students for Real Beauty. Sharing our stories about let downs, heartaches, and also stories of triumph in the battle of self. So this holiday season, I am thankful. I am thankful for the usual yet rare treasures in my life, such as friends and family. I have started to look back on my "thankful lists" throughout the years and not once have I been thankful for my body. What happened to being thankful for two feet, strong legs, two arms, two hands to reach out, two shoulders to comfort, a relatively sane head on my shoulders, my smile, eyes to see the beauties in this world, ears to hear beautiful stories, music, and laughter? What happened to the simple things?

So over the holidays, make a list of what you're thankful about YOURSELF. What makes YOU unique, beautiful, rare, and worth being treasured? What makes you YOU? Everything of course. Even if you want to keep it strictly inward, do it. Talk about your quirks, views, ideas, and dreams. You have been put on this earth for a reason and you are unique with talents and gifts yet to be discovered. I encourage you, I implore you to reach out with them and touch someone's life for the better. Mother Teresa once said,

" I am thankful for my arms because there are so many handicapped,
Thankful for my eyes that have light when so many don't,
Thankful for my lips that sing when so many are mute,
Thankful for a home when so many have nowhere to return to,
Thankful for so much and when there is so little to ask.."

Have a "beautiful" holiday <3
Love,
Laura Olivos
SFRB President