I want to start this post off with a warning. This topic will be heavy for some and may bring up past traumas. I will be talking about how growing up in a religious environment caused me to lack self love and confidence.
As a woman growing up in the church I was told to cover up. To not “tempt” the men. I was taught that my body was for men. And so therefore I never appreciated my self or my body the way I should. Whether they intended their teachings to portray this or not, I know some did, it ALWAYS came across that way. I was never proud of the fact I was a woman. I always felt I was inferior in some way. I believe that fueled my sometimes overwhelming feminism. I was 24 when I finally realized how beautiful I am. I finally excepted my worth. I finally was convinced that I was more then just a body. I am a beautiful, strong, confident person. Yes I am a woman and I love that. I love that because women are AMAZING. We are STRONG! We are capable of anything and everything!
Back when I was in the church I felt like loving myself and my body was almost wrong. I didn’t see my own beauty. Not just in my looks but in my personality, my boldness, my confidence, my independence. Why? Because those qualities are not necessarily valued in a woman within the church. You are expected to be a quiet and obedient wife. I never wanted to be just a wife. I still don’t. I don’t want kids either and before you say it…I will not change my mind! I didn’t value the same things as those in the church. The really sad part is that I thought I could change…I thought I wanted to. I didn’t! I haven’t! And I never will!
I have since found the value in who I am! I have found the value in my personality, my confidence, boldness and independence! I can truly say I love myself! I hope that those of you that are in environments that make you feel less then you are find a way out. I hope you get a chance to see how amazing and valuable you actually are!
Living it Up Halfheartedly 