Words Hurt – But They Don’t Define You!

When kids are little, parents always say “Words can’t hurt you!” But let’s be real — it hurts when someone says something mean about how you look. Whether it’s a random comment online, a joke at school, or even a thoughtless remark from someone you know, body shaming is never okay.

Body shaming comes in all forms. Too big or too small, wrong color, wrong height, freckles, and birthmarks. Lots of people love to make comments about other people’s bodies.

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of this, first know: You are not alone. And their words? They don’t define you.

Here’s what you can do when you face body shaming:

1. Pause and Breathe

It’s natural to want to snap back or shut down when someone says something hurtful. But before you react, take a deep breath. Center yourself. Remember: their comment is a reflection of them, not you. It sounds corny but I promise, it’s true!

2. Don’t Internalize It

Mean comments can get stuck in our heads and replay like a broken record. But just because someone said something doesn’t make it true. You are more than your appearance. Your worth isn’t measured by a number on a scale, a clothing size, or someone else’s opinion.

Here’s a mantra you can repeat to yourself:
“I am valuable, exactly as I am.”

3. Set Boundaries

You have every right to speak up. You can say things like:

• “That’s not okay.”
• “Please don’t comment on my body.”
• “I’m not here for your opinions about my appearance.”

If you don’t feel safe speaking out, it’s also completely okay to walk away or distance yourself from people who make you feel less than.

4. Talk to Someone You Trust

You don’t have to deal with it alone. Share your feelings with a friend, family member, teacher, or counselor. Talking about it can help you process what happened and remind you that your feelings are valid.

5. Surround Yourself with Positive Voices

The world is full of people who lift others up instead of tearing them down. Find those voices — online and in real life. Follow body-positive influencers, read uplifting books, and spend time with people who celebrate you for who you are.

Some amazing reminders:

• Bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors — and every body is worthy of respect.
• Health looks different for everyone.
• Beauty isn’t a competition. There’s room for everyone to shine.

Final Thought:

You are not too much. You are not too little. You are exactly enough.
The next time someone says something mean, remember: their words can only hurt if you let them become your truth. And you get to decide your story — not them.

You are powerful. You are amazing. And you deserve to feel good in your skin. 💛