I’m a proud Filipino but I’m not proud of our toxic body shaming culture.⁣

All of these things have been said to me before from aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and even my own parents. It’s ingrained in us to be able to “just accept it” and “stop being so sensitive”. After all, all of these things are “for your own good”.⁣

& if you stick up for yourself, you’re called “a disgrace of the family” and “you need to respect your elders” . ⁣

Writing this still makes me anxious but I know now that all the negative things that float around my head, came from them, disguised as my own voice.

When we understand that, we can begin the process of self love and acceptance. What’s one thing that still sticks with you?