I was watching Cameron Russel’s talk on TED ….’Looks aren’t Everything’ and it made me think how the world around us has always dictated what’s the acceptable body shape and look for women for centuries.
I’m naturally slim but I grew up envying my voluptuous sisters and friends and there’s a reason why……I grew up in a society that embraces curviness as a sign of beauty. My sisters and most of my African friends have beautifully well formed bodies and they love it! 
Being skinny was something I had to explain to people all the time……..because to them I was either not eating properly or there was something very wrong with my biological makeup! It didn’t vex me at all because it is my body and I’m happy and comfortable in it all the time.
The silhouette of the “ideal woman” has been ever changing for centuries which means the physical qualities we embrace today were there in yesteryear and will be there for the generations to come. From the 1920s until now, there has been many beauty trends, mostly influenced by fashion, movies, politics and music. The bottom line is no matter what your body shape is, love yourself and be confident in it.
For anyone who has watched the BBC series The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, you will know how Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott) was proud, comfortable and assured in her ‘traditionally’ built body and it brought out her beautiful character.
As a Mad Men fan, I loved Joan Holloway’s (Christina Hendricks) amazing curvy figure. She is beautiful, classy and confident.
Just like fashion, or even food, beauty trends are subjective and ever changing but remember confidence is timeless. Go on ……..embrace what your Mama gave you!!
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