The majority of women in today’s society are not valuing their bodies as they should. The debate over who is to blame for women’s warped body perceptions is old and tired but the truth still remains, the media has continued to promote and perpetuate a stereotypical notion of beauty.

It is apparent in movies, music videos, on magazine covers and on billboard advertisements; the public is being fed an extremely one-sided perspective of which physical qualities should be deemed attractive.

There is not much that we as women can do to change the unfortunate reality that pop culture promotes a monotonous idea of beauty but there is something that you can do on your own, for yourself.

You can make a choice to reject the idea that you should look a certain way and start accepting your body today. We are all beautiful in our own right. Be proud of your natural body and don’t apologize to others or yourself for that matters about the way you look.

Women are constantly comparing themselves to other women and this is very self-demeaning. Doing this causes women to question their appearance, which in turn lowers their self-esteem.

One of the most gratifying emotions a woman can experience is when she comes to terms with her own appearance and accepts herself. When you accept your body you are rewarded with the strength and confidence to love yourself.

The sooner you are able to break free from society’s chains the sooner you will be able to live your life how you see fit.

Plus-size model, make-up artist, hair stylist and blogger, Tess Munster is a fervent advocate for body acceptance and has served as an inspiration to thousands of women worldwide. In the words of Munster, “Confidence will make you happier than any diet ever will -embrace your body the way it is now.”

If you want to work toward a better you… great, but why beat yourself up until you are at your ‘ideal’ weight or size? The media tries to make it just about our physical appearance, but being healthy is about having a healthy mind and a positive body image too! Celebrate your body starting today because life is too precious to waste one second.

Women should keep in mind that, according the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American woman is around 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 165 pounds, while the average American model stands at about 5 feet 11 inches and weighs a mere 117 pounds.

So don’t be so hard on yourself if you do not meet other people’s ideals of beauty make the choice today to be happy and healthy for yourself.