Sexual confidence and body positivity is a difficult thing to measure. One day we might feel like a goddess and other days not so much. One thing we know for certain is that it must come from within – no amount of compliments from partners can do this for us. Nor can being a certain weight, age, or body shape, magically make you feel confident. True confidence is when you don’t need approval from others, and sexual confidence is just the same.

What is Body Image?

Body image is how you see your body and how your opinion of your body can make you feel or behave. For those with a negative body image, they may perceive themselves to be overweight or ugly when it’s clear to other people that they are quite the opposite. A negative body image can turn into body dysmorphia – a serious condition requiring treatment with medication or therapy. Body dysmorphia can result in eating disorders or self-harm, so it’s vital to address it if you think you may be heading down this path. Positive body image comes from within, it doesn’t matter the size or shape of the person, they are happy and content with their body and focus on the positive aspects of themselves – something we could all learn to do a lot more often!

Body Image and Social Media

With the rise in social media, the overuse of photo filters, and seeing celebrities and peers living their best lives and looking pristine 100% of the time, it’s no wonder so many individuals have body image issues.

It’s very important to remember that what you see on social media is a filtered version of people’s lives. Those who rely on keeping up a certain image for their work are unlikely to show the world the real side of themselves. The side that gets period bloating or ate far too much pizza. The side that had a breakout of spots or can’t shift stubborn cellulite. Seeing other people looking perfect 24/7 could give you a negative body image, but don’t let it. What you see on social media isn’t real. The irony is that many influencers and celebs share body positivity quotes alongside filtered images of themselves, not realising the damage this does.

For ten years, the body positivity movement has been a great step in showing a range of shapes, sizes, skin colours and body types, with brands and television shows opting to be more inclusive. But we still have a way to go, and we hope our affirmations below will inspire you to think kinder about yourself and your amazing body.

Body Positivity Quotes

We gathered some of our favourite body image quotes and affirmations – things to tell ourselves to help on the way to feeling more confident, both sexually and in your day-to-day life. By repeating them to yourself – out loud preferably – you should start to believe them more and more…

Changes don’t come overnight – make sure you think about and practice these affirmations regularly and you’ll start to see progress in how easy it is to believe these things about yourself.

What would you add to this list? Affirmations can be incredibly personal to us and speak to our own insecurities. Write your own and it becomes even more powerful!