Katie Daly
Updated on: October 14, 2024 5:02 am GMT
Ilona Maher, the Olympic bronze medalist and contestant on “Dancing with the Stars,” recently opened up about her struggles with body confidence in a heartfelt TikTok video. In a world where self-image can often feel overwhelming, Maher bravely shared her personal experiences and offered valuable insights on how she navigates moments of self-doubt.
Being Real About Body Confidence
It’s common for anyone to have days when they don’t feel great about their body, and Maher is no exception. In her video, she emphasized that it’s perfectly normal to experience fluctuations in self-confidence. “It’s hard to love your body all the time and to think it’s just so amazing,” Maher admitted. Her candid admission resonates deeply, as many people struggle with their body image at different times in their lives.
“I like to keep it real with you all, so I wanted to just let you know I’m not feeling too body confident right now,” she explained to her followers. Maher’s approach to vulnerability is refreshing. She acknowledges her feelings instead of masking them, which is a vital step toward body acceptance.
The Tricks of the Mind
Throughout her video, Maher pointed out how the mind can often “play tricks” on us, leading to negative thoughts about our bodies. Many people can relate to this experience, where feelings of inadequacy can creep in without warning.
To combat these feelings, Maher shared the three key affirmations she repeats to herself when confidence wanes.
1. Acknowledge Your Strength
First, Maher reminds herself of her body’s strength. “I try to remember what my body does for me, how strong it is,” she said. Whether it’s walking, running, lifting weights, or dancing, these physical activities underscore her body’s capabilities beyond appearance. It’s a powerful reminder that our bodies are not just vessels for beauty but instruments of strength and resilience.
2. Embrace Change
The second point Maher makes is about the constant evolution of our bodies. “Bodies change constantly and will constantly change the rest of our lives,” she stated. Factors like diets, workouts, and even natural body cycles can influence how we look and feel. Recognizing that change is a part of life can help ease the pressure of maintaining a specific image.
3. Give Yourself Grace
Lastly, Maher emphasizes the importance of self-compassion. “Give yourself some grace,” she advises, acknowledging that this isn’t always easy to do. This especially rings true with her busy schedule; between dancing and training for her Olympic sport, Maher experiences adjustments in her fitness routine.
She urges her followers to take a breath and remind themselves that it’s okay to feel less than perfect at times. “It’s ok if you’re going through this,” she reassured her audience, recognizing that good days and bad days are part of the journey.
Championing Body Positivity
As she continues her journey on “Dancing with the Stars,” Maher hopes to inspire others to embrace body positivity. Her message extends beyond her personal experiences. She wants to challenge stereotypes about athletes, especially female rugby players. “We go out there on the field and we’re beasts,” she said, highlighting the image of strength associated with her sport. Yet, she also wants to showcase the graceful, artistic side of athletes through dance.
“My new goal for this is to show that all body types can dance and express themselves out there through dance and feel sexy and beautiful when you’re out on the dance floor,” Maher shared. Her aspirations are not just for herself but for everyone who grapples with body image issues.
A Message of Self-Love
By the end of her video, Maher left her followers with a heartwarming note on self-acceptance. “It’s gonna be ups and downs for the rest of your life,” she concluded. Her genuine encouragement forms a powerful base for others who might be struggling.
In a world filled with unrealistic standards and social media pressure, Maher’s honesty serves as a reminder that everyone has their own battles. To love oneself, even on the days that feeling good is a challenge, is a significant step toward confidence.
As Maher continues to compete and thrive in her multiple roles as an athlete and performer, her messages of empowerment and self-acceptance will likely resonate with many. Whether through TikTok or the dance floor, she is championing a reality that embraces every inch of who we are – flaws and all.
Join the Body Positivity Movement
Maher’s influence encourages people to take charge of their body image narratives. Here are a few tips to embrace and promote body positivity:
- Focus on what your body can do, not just how it looks.
- Acknowledge that body changes are natural and part of life.
- Practice self-compassion regularly.
- Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you.
- Embrace all forms of expression, including dance and movement.
The journey to self-acceptance isn’t straightforward, but it’s a collective struggle worth discussing. As prominent figures like Ilona Maher share their experiences, more people may feel empowered to address their feelings of inadequacy openly and embrace their bodies as they are.
Maher reminds us that it’s normal to have doubts sometimes. But we should also celebrate the special beauty and strength that each of us has inside.
