I don’t want to be SKINNY!

I want to be HEALTHY and HAPPY!

Arab women have always been known for having the beautiful curvy body with focus on the thighs.  However, mainstream media have continuously carved the image of females as being tall, extremely thin, having the tiniest waist line, long legs and perfect skin and hair – changing the perception of the “ideal woman look”. Seeing the perception of women change makes me so sad.

Many people suffer and aim to become this so called “living Barbie”. We live in a world where many people do not appreciate themselves and the lives they live. Many eating disorders have emerged in the pursuit of reaching this unrealistic image that DOES NOT EXIST. But is media purely the one to blame? Definitely not! Media has a great impact in one’s life but personality, attitude, and self confidence are what define you. With the advancement of technology several editing programs such as Photoshop which have excellent features for photography and graphic designers also have the power to make someone look skinnier and flawless.

The aim is not to have a perfect body. I don’t work out to lose weight; I work out to feel healthy, strong, and lean.

Aiming for perfection is aiming for something unreal. We all have flaws and learning to embrace them and be comfortable with them is the challenge. I have some stretch marks and a few traces of cellulite on my thighs but these imperfections are what make me human. Every human being is beautiful in his/her way and the most beautiful part is how they express their love to their self in front of the world.

When I look around me, I see how blessed I am to have such a beautiful family by my side and most importantly for having good health. Be thankful for what you have, life is a surprising game that can change when we least expect it to. Eat healthy, exercise and be the best version of yourself.