7 Times Miley Cyrus Was Really Body Positive

It’s no secret that Miley Cyrus has made a big transformation since her Disney channel days (and I'm not just talking about her 360 turn fashion-wise). Did you know that Miley Cyrus is body positive? Sure, her look and style are unmistakable (leotards galore) and her music is that special kinda something that you can’t ever seem to get out of your head — but she’s more than that. Whilst she's never denied that her figure grants her thin privilege, she’s no stranger to body shaming — but she uses it to prove a body pos role model nonetheless.

Whenever critics put her figure under fire, Miley manages to display major confidence. Who else do you know who's absolutely confident with themselves and can twerk in front of a huge audience at the MTV Video Music Awards (controversy aside)? I have to give it to Miley and take a moment to appreciate the effort that she’s made to break conventional beauty standards.

Sure, she sometimes does as much in ways that can be downright shocking, but the fact that she’s at least trying makes me an even bigger fan. It’s actually pretty noteworthy to use one's celebrity status to spread these relatable messages. And we can all learn a thing or two about loving our bodies from Miley. Whether she’s killing it at one of her concerts or making her way onto your Instagram feed, her positive no-effs-given attitude is for all of us. So check out seven times that she stepped up and owned a body positivity mantra.

1. When She Was Honest About Loving Her Figure

Who could forget when Miley took to Twitter to let the world know that curves are amazing. In response to comedian Jason Earles, who mentioned her in a Tweet and said that Miley looked like a boy, the pop star shut him down real quick. She turned the potential diss around and said that she loves being shaped like a woman, and is proud of her curves. Sure, she could've done without the added "your man won't mind either," bit, but nobody is perfect.

2. When She Flaunted Her Armpit Hair

In today’s world, where razors, waxing strips, and a slew of hair removal products are easily accessible, Miley chooses to take another approach with her armpit hair. She posted a photo onto Instagram in which she's wearing exposed overalls and embracing a natural look, sporting grown out underarm hair. People obvs commented with things like “please shave,” but Miley’s a more go-with-the-flow kind of person and will shave if/when she wants. Period.

3. When She Showed The Haters Just How Amazing Her Body Is

Ever had someone say something to your face that wasn't too great, and then you couldn't seem to shake it off? I’ve been there and so has Miley — but she handles it way better than I ever have. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, Miley just walks away so haters can appreciate her behind in all of its glory.

4. When She Wouldn’t Let Her Body’s Self Expression Be Stifled

Being different is not a bad thing by any means. It is actually pretty refreshing, in every capacity. Miley knows this and knows exactly how important it is to be able to have the freedom to express yourself freely. The best part is that she actually practices what she preaches and is a queen of self-expression. Go Miley!

5. When She Stood Up To Fat Shamers

Fat shaming is a very real and very prevalent problem in our culture. But instead of shutting down and hiding when trolls find her, Miley defends herself and lets everyone know just how harmful such types of comments can be.

She responded to a body shamer by saying on Twitter, "I love MYSELF & if you could say the same you wouldn't be sitting on your computer trying to hurt others." Miley shared the Tweet with an iconic photo of Marilyn Monroe in a white one-piece swimsuit and a caption that read, “Proof that you can be adored by thousands of men, even when your thighs touch.” Of course a woman's sense of worth should never be down to the "adoration of men," but the notion that fuller-figured men and women aren't sexy is definitely one that needs to go.

6. When She Challenged Our Ideas Of Beauty

Society teaches us to have preset aesthetic appearances that we consider beautiful, but Miley knows that true beauty can’t be defined. For Miley, beauty is skin deep and radiates from the inside out. Even though you can point out how beautiful someone is through their physical attributes, Miley says that this isn’t the way to go because it becomes something we try to aspire to our whole lives.

7. When She Let Us Know How Beautiful We Are

A simple message, but still important to hear nevertheless. Miley hit the nail on the head with this one, because people can be beautiful in their own way. Whether you love her or hate her, you can’t deny that she’s a solid role model for body acceptance. After all, confidence is one of the sexiest things a human can have.

Images: Getty; Miley Cyrus/Twitter (2); Miley Cyrus/Instagram; Alwaysbeu/Tumblr; Giphy; Andlifemoveson/Tumblr