During the Urban Arts Partnership 25th anniversary benefit this week, model Ashley Graham spoke about how frequently young women approach her to discuss being bullied for their weight, something the supermodel says she completely relates to.
“Nothing’s actually surprised me. I’ve lived exactly what they’re living. I’ve lived the torment of the names. I’ve lived the torment of boyfriends breaking up with me because they were afraid I was going to be too fat later in life. It’s the same cycle, it doesn’t matter what generation we are in. Every kid is going to go through the same thing,” People magazine quoted her as saying.
The model further added that it took time for her to embrace her curves and love her body, but she eventually learned.
“I wake up sometimes and I think ‘I’m the fattest woman alive’ — but it’s really about how you handle it when you wake up,” she added.
“I look in the mirror and I have my affirmations. And mine are simple. [I say] ‘You are bold. You are brilliant and you are beautiful.’ And then if my lower pooch is really puffing out that day, I say ‘Lower pooch, you are cute’. And we have a moment. And if the hips are really popping I say ‘I love you, too, hips.’”
When asked the best way to get everyone else up to speed on her important message on body positivity, Ashley was quick to note that society still has a long way to go in terms of improving mindsets. However, she added her belief that lifting up more women who embrace their bodies, regardless of their so-called “imperfections,” is a good place to start.
