Guest Post Written by Jeffrey Jenkins
The concept of Body Image was never really a term that I was aware of in the past. I didn’t really understand what body image was let alone negative or positive body image. It wasn’t until I started to get older that I discovered how widespread body image is as a concept and how impactful it can be on life.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
For years I lived my life afraid to look in the mirror and I thought I might be the only one. A study done by the PNM Center says that 50% of US citizens aren’t happy with their current weight. It also mentions how 80% of women and 34% of men are dissatisfied with their bodies. After reading that article I knew for a fact that I was included in that 34%; and if I was dissatisfied in my own country I figured it be magnified in another one.
Turns out I was right. Travel amplified my insecurities around my weight and body and forced me to face those insecurities head on. Through travel I have learned so much about who I am, how I see myself and how I want to see myself. Travel and experiencing other countries have taught me how to love my body where it is right now.
Here are ways traveling has improved my body image issues:
IT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE
Traveling around the world or even to other states, forces us to break out of our comfort zones. My first overseas experience was with an organization that took college students around the world to work on American Military bases as camp counselors for the summer. Not knowing what to expect a man by the name of Chris said to me “the only way you are going to be able to truly enjoy Japan is if you continue to push yourself out of your comfort zone”.
That little bit of advice helped me truly experience people’s way of life and try food that I would never have tried in America. When immersing yourself into new places, cultures, and traditions it makes you think about your own. You start to realize that in other places your size doesn’t have to be a hindrance; nor does it mean that your body is undesirable. Take Uganda for example. In Ugandan culture plus size is considered very attractive. This all broaden my perspective and gave me a new outlook on life.
IT TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE MORE COURAGEOUS
Traveling allowed me to take risks and accept personal challenges. I have made it a mission of mine while traveling to try and do things that scare me. It doesn’t matter if it is shark diving in South Africa, jumping off cliffs in Indonesia, or taking my shirt off in public for the first time in Belize. No, seriously, taking my shirt off was a big thing, my whole life I always felt I had to wear a shirt when I went to a beach or a pool. For some reason, when I travel, I do things that I normally wouldn’t do if I was back at home. Traveling taught me that if I can be courageous in one part of my life then I could be courageous in tackling some of the issues I’ve had with my body.
It takes courage to love our bodies in its current state.
IT TAUGHT ME HOW TO LIVE LIFE IN THE NOW
Traveling has made me realize that my weight nor how I look shouldn’t keep me from living life to the fullest.
Have you ever said to yourself:
“When I make it to this size or when I make it to this weight I will…..”
I have totally said this before. In the past this inner critic kept me from doing the things I always wanted to do. But travel changed that for me and continues to teach me how to live in the now. Yes, being at a comfortable weight might feel good but not being that weight shouldn’t stop you from Living Life Now.
Traveling forces you to disconnect from the outside world and focus on what is happening in the now. It gives you permission to ignore the ads, social media and tv that are constantly telling you that you need to look a certain way. Because of this break, from the commercial world yelling at us to look and be a certain way, we start to appreciate what we have. Learning to live in the now was hugely beneficial in helping me with my body image.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I truly believe that I would not be who I am today if I was not afforded the opportunity to travel. Today, I am in love with my body more than ever. I can look in the mirror now and say you are one handsome man. It is still a struggle at times but I continue to press forward and I encourage you to do the same! This all inspired me to create a community for plus size people. I realized that people of size have been underrepresented in the travel space. My goal is to bring a change to that!
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Meet the Author
Chubby Diaries is conquering the world one flight at a time. Jeff Jenkins founded the site in 2018. Chubby Diaries is a digital space that provides community to plus size travelers. The blog is for those looking to build friendships and discover travel tips. It is also meant for those ready to redefine the world that has been trying to exclude them. From flights, to clothing, to navigating international spaces, Chubby Diaries offers a well-spring of knowledge for novice and experienced travelers.
Learn more about Chubby Diaries Here: https://www.chubbydiaries.com
