Dear Readers,

Today, I would like to discuss a topic that is particularly close to my heart, as it is an integral part of my daily life and personal journey: body dysmorphia. This term may seem complex, even abstract to some, but for me and many others, it is a daily reality.

Body dysmorphia is not merely a lack of self-confidence. It is not just an obsession with conforming to an unrealistic ideal of beauty portrayed by the media or society. It goes much deeper than that. It is a constant feeling of discomfort, a distortion of self-perception that can become overwhelming.

Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing something that does not match what others seem to see. It is as if your reflection is distorted, magnifying every perceived imperfection, every minor flaw that, to you, becomes monumental. It means living with an implacable inner voice that tells you that you are not doing enough, that you are not beautiful enough, thin enough, or perfect enough.

The social pressure to meet often unrealistic beauty standards is omnipresent. It seeps into our lives through social media, advertisements, and even everyday conversations. It creates an unattainable standard for most of us. For some, it becomes a constant obsession to try to conform to this norm, sometimes to the detriment of our mental and physical health. But understand this: body dysmorphia is not a choice. It is not something you can simply "ignore" or "overcome" with a snap of your fingers. It is a daily battle, a journey filled with obstacles where every small step towards self-acceptance is a victory.

What I hope you understand is that beauty goes far beyond physical appearance. It lies in our authenticity, our compassion, and our inner strength. It is reflected in our actions, our ways of loving, supporting, and respecting others.

So, the next time you encounter someone struggling with their body image, I ask you to look beyond what your eyes see. Listen to their story, understand their struggles. And remember that true beauty begins with self-acceptance, embracing all our flaws and imperfections, for that is where our true strength lies.

Thank you for listening today. May we all learn to celebrate the diversity of our bodies and cultivate compassion for ourselves and others.

Elena