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I’m a mom to three kids – two of whom are girls. I know that they will face many obstacles while growing up. There will be a fair share of mean girls, possible bullying and many broken hearts. However, through it all, the one thing I really hope they always maintain is a high self-esteem.
For young girls, the way the feel about themselves is easily dashed from simple comments and videos. It takes one image for them to feel badly about themselves. It saddens me.
But, what can we do about it? Is it even possible to do anything to help?
There is something very simple that you can do. Choose Dove to show support of building self-esteem in 20 million girls by 2020. 52% of girls feel that the negative posts, comments, snaps, videos or photos they see on social media damage their confidence*. By posting positive advice online, it will be the start of making social media a more positive place. (*Dove: #SpeakBeautiful Girls Research” March 2016).
MY STORY
Words hurt. They hurt badly. I can still vividly recall third grade in elementary school. I attended a private Catholic school in a very small town. That meant we had about 10 – 12 kids in our class. There was one of them who did not like me. Why? I still don’t know.
This mean girl (whose name I will not share) decided that she did not like me so much that she created the “I Hate Tracie” club. They said mean things to me. They excluded me. They were just awful to me.
I spent recesses alone on the swings. I had no one to sit with at lunch. They made me feel like I was not worth friendship. These girls hurt me.
It is so easy for people to say that I should ignore it. They tell me it was more than 30 years ago, so I should forget about. I have tried. Trust me. I have tried a lot.
The problem is that it left scars. To this day, I look at myself and do not see the best. I see what people are going to hate about me or gossip to others about.
The logical part of me knows that this is ridiculous. However, that 8 year old girl still remembers. She still feels the pain and fears judgment and worries that she is not good enough.
WE NEED TO STOP
My story is one of millions. We have to stop this. The negativity, judgement and just horrible behavior has to stop. Instead of the negative messages, we need to share the positive ones.
There is no such thing as a perfect woman. Every one of us is different and amazing. We are all beautiful. It is time that we all work together, with Dove, and #SpeakBeautiful.
HOW CAN WE MAKE THE CHANGE
For starters, we can educate our children about the importance of embracing our beauty and who we are. Of course, you don’t want to create a narcissist, but you can remind your girls that they are the perfect version of themselves.
Every day, I allow my girls to be who they want to be. I don’t tell my oldest it is wrong that she wants to stick her nose in a book instead of worrying about fashion. I don’t force either of them to dress in any way other than how they are most comfortable in. I remind her them both that they are amazing as they are and should never change for anyone.
You can join in the movement by making positive changes in your life and sharing kind words with the girls and women you know.
Another way you can join in the #SpeakBeautiful movement is by purchasing Dove at BJ’s Stores. When you visit your store, you can help by purchasing these products (which, you need anyhow, so why not get them and show support):
- Dove Deodorant Cool Essentials 3pk: This antiperspirant deodorant delivers up to 48-hour protection, underarm care and a refreshing cucumber and green tea scent.
- Dove 3 x 24 oz. Deep Moisture Body Wash: Enjoy softer, smoother skin after just one shower with this moisturizing body wash that leaves skin feeling cared for.
- Dove Cool Moisture Bar 16 ct: Enjoy soft, more radiant looking skin vs. ordinary soap and revitalize your senses with the refreshing scent of cucumber and green tea.
- Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner: Get hair that looks up to 5X smoother with Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner system vs. non-conditioning shampoo.
You can learn more and find a BJ’s location near you by heading here.
Together, we can turn things around and help the young girls and women of today grow up with a much more positive self-esteem. Every little thing you do matters. Join me in the fight.