I love stumbling across a great quote on the Internet, especially if it's one that's promoting self-love and body positivity. Like most things in life, the written and spoken word is subjective, so it's easy to find personal meaning within inspiring words that can transform them into body positive quotes. Luckily, there are plenty of quotes out there that end up feeling sneakily confidence-inducing.
Personally, I find it fun to look for deeper metaphors within literature and poetry that might add another angle to an already interesting point of view. Sometimes a writer, poet, or speaker will seemingly bury gems into their prose, creating multiple meanings for a reader or listener to dissect. And to me, these folks make for the most talented creatives.
Oftentimes when people talk amongst themselves or write down their thoughts, there are plenty of layers to the words they're coming up with. They might be unaware of some of the more subconscious elements or unsure of how to express them clearly. Regardless, their words end up becoming applicable in a number of situations and relatable to even more people because of it.
With this in mind, here's a selection of quotes that have sneakily body positive messages, whether that was intentional or not.
1. Our Actions Make Us Beautiful
“It's not the face, but the expressions on it. It's not the voice, but what you say. It's not how you look in that body, but the thing you do with it. You are beautiful.” ― Stephenie Meyer, The Host.
It's important to remember that what makes a person beautiful is often their spirit, their actions, and their words. How they look on the outside is a separate matter entirely.
2. Our Bodies Are Impermanent
“You don’t have a soul, Doctor. You are a soul. You have a body, temporarily.” ― Walter M. Miller Jr., A Canticle For Leibowitz.
Don't forget that one day your body will cease to exist. But depending on your personal beliefs, your spirit might not. Try not to get too caught up in body image, and work on your soul instead.
3. The Human Body Is Amazing, So Embrace Yours
“The human body is the best work of art.” ― Jess C. Scott.
Perhaps Scott meant this is an awe-inspiring, scientific manner, because the human body is intellectually incredible. But no matter our individual differences, every body is beautiful, too.
4. We All Have Inner Strength
“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien.
Sure, it can be great to have a conventionally fit and strong body, if that is what you want. But if it isn't, rest assured in the knowledge that what truly matters is having a strong spirit.
5. Our Bodies Are Part Of The Universe
“Recognize that the very molecules that make up your body, the atoms that construct the molecules, are traceable to the crucibles that were once the centers of high mass stars that exploded their chemically rich guts into the galaxy, enriching pristine gas clouds with the chemistry of life. So that we are all connected to each other biologically, to the earth chemically, and to the rest of the universe atomically. That’s kinda cool! That makes me smile and I actually feel quite large at the end of that. It’s not that we are better than the universe, we are part of the universe. We are in the universe and the universe is in us.” ― Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Always believe in the beauty of your body, because we are all part of the universe and the universe is phenomenal.
6. No Matter Our Size, We Are All Beautiful
“Hey! My body may be small, but my soul is large. It’s why I wear platforms. So I can reach the top of my soul.” ― Laini Taylor, Daughter Of Smoke & Bone.
Don't worry about how big, small, fat, thin, or tall you are. All that truly matters is your character.
7. Don't Be Afraid To Be Body Confident
“'Who said anything about shame?' She gestured down to her naked body, even though it was covered by the blanket. 'Honestly, I'm surprised you're not strutting about, boasting to everyone. I certainly would be if I'd tumbled me.'
'Does your love for yourself know no bounds?'
'Absolutely none.'" ― Sarah J. Maas, Crown Of Midnight.
It is of utmost importance to love your body in this life. There's no need to hide your confidence. Instead, shout it from the rooftops and inspire others to love themselves, too.
8. Enjoy Your Body
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!'" ― Hunter S. Thompson, The Proud Highway: Saga Of A Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955-1967.
Don't put limitations on what your body can do. Just enjoy life in there because you are capable of amazing things.
9. Be Proud Of The Skin You're In
“My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.” ― Johnny Depp.
Show off your tattoos, scars, cellulite, and stretch marks because these are the things that make you unique.
10. Embrace Your "Imperfections"
“You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.” ― Amy Bloom.
Nobody is perfect. But that's what makes life beautiful.
11. Revel In Your Individuality
"The things that make me different are the things that make me ME." ― Piglet, Winnie The Pooh.
Don't be afraid to be different and stand out from the crowd.
12. It's What's Inside That Counts
"Do not be followed by its commonplace appearance. Like so many things, it is not what is outside, but what is inside that counts." ― Merchant, Aladdin.
One should never judge a book by its cover, after all. So if someone judges you based on your appearance, try to be glad that you never let them read your epic story.
13. Be Yourself, Always
“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.” ― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections On Life And The Human Experience.
It's important that we try not to be afraid of showing our true selves both on the outside and the inside.
Body positive inspiration can be found everywhere, so take these wonderful messages and use them to learn even more about self-love. There are no limitations to confidence.
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