There are so many things in the world that we may admire or even get inspired by, but there’s one main thing we may want to fall in love with before we start noticing the beauty of other things. It’s our own reflection in the mirror. Among all the numerous recipes for conjuring up self-love within ourselves, psychologists advise us to never compare ourselves to others and stop caring about other people’s opinions. Actress and producer Lena Dunham knows a lot about cultivating love for her own body despite all the criticism she faced, and she happily shares her journey with us all.
Lena Dunham doesn’t accept the term “body positivity,” and here’s why.
Actress and writer Lena Dunham has recently added another string to her bow and collaborated with the brand 11 Honoré to create a plus-size clothing collection. But the very term “plus size” frustrates Lena, and so is the term “body positivity.” In one of her Instagram posts, she explains that she feels more “body tolerant” than “body positive.”
In her interview, Dunham said, “The thing that’s complicated about the body-positive movement is it can be for the privileged few who have a body that looks the way people want to feel positive. We want curvy bodies that look like Kim Kardashian has been up-sized slightly. We want big beautiful butts and big beautiful breasts and no cellulite and faces that look like you could smack them onto thin women.”
Dunham has a very special relationship with her own body.
Dunhams path to self-love started with a decade-long journey with endometriosis. Since she started her own fight against it, she has been candidly sharing how it influenced both her emotional health and her relationship with her own body image. In her Instagram post, she emotionally described how she fluctuated between loving her body and the opposite.
She wrote, “Ya know when you’re home alone, and you realize you’d be happier in a hot lil’ onesie than your ketchup and cat food stained pajamas? And it’s not about a boy or a photo shoot or a weight loss before-and-after, it’s just for the feeling of glee you get from dressing your one and only corporeal form in pleasing fabrics, the unique pleasure of admiring the twists and turns of the body that loves the heck out of you even when you don’t love it.”
Dunham is powerfully addressing all people who come to her page with criticism.
In 2021, Dunham tied the knot with musician Luis Felber. It was such a darling event for her that she wore 3 wedding dresses to marry her love and shared the photos on her Instagram. However, she started getting some “gnarly” comments in her feed from people who commented on her body and appearance. The actress didn’t hesitate for a minute to address them with a powerful message.
She wrote, “One narrative I take issue with, largely because it’s a story I don’t want other women, other people, to get lodged in their heads, is that I should somehow be criticized because my body has changed since I was last on television. […] But lastly, when will we learn to stop equating thinness with health/happiness?”
Dunham’s powerful message can be echoed in the hearts of many.
For all people who have ever hesitated about embracing their body image, Dunham has some simple yet wise advice. She says, “Of course weight loss can be the result of positive change in habits, but guess what? So can weight gain. The pics I’m being compared to are from when I was with an undiagnosed illness. In the last 4 years, I’ve begun my life as someone who aspires toward health and not just achievement.
These changes have allowed me to be the kind of sister/friend/daughter that I want to be and yes — meet my husband (who, by the way, doesn’t recognize me in those old photos because he sees how dimmed my light was). I say this for any other person whose appearance has been changed with time, illness, or circumstance — it’s okay to live in your present body without treating it as transitional. I am, and I’m really enjoying it. Love you all.”
Do you find Lena Dunham’s example inspiring? What do you love the most about your appearance?
Preview photo credit Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images, lenadunham / Instagram
Madonna, 65, Sparks Controversy with 28-Year-Old Boyfriend—See Their Steamy Italy Photos
Pop icon Madonna is back in the spotlight, this time for her romance with 28-year-old Akeem Morris. Their public display of affection in Portofino, Italy, has caused quite a stir online.
At 65, Madonna is not only known for her music but also for her bold lifestyle choices, and her latest relationship is making waves. Fans and critics alike are talking about the couple’s chemistry and their public outing.
A fan comment posted on August 14, 2024, by user @Husker_Ju on X stated, “The 65-year-old icon was spotted in Portofino, Italy, hand-in-hand with her much younger beau, Akeem Morris. At 28, Morris is a striking 37 years Madonna’s junior. Still, that age gap seems to be no obstacle to their affection.”
Madonna and Akeem Morris were spotted on August 13, 2024, in Portofino, Italy, as they strolled through the scenic streets. The picturesque setting served as a perfect backdrop for their romantic outing. Madonna looked every bit the glamorous superstar, wearing a stunning black gown that showcased her classic elegance with a modern twist. | Source: Getty Images
A photo of Madonna and Akeem Morris sightseeing in Italy, posted on August 13, 2024, by Instagram account @justjared, shows the pop icon in a stunning thigh-length dress with a dramatic lace overlay, perfectly highlighting her timeless beauty. Madonna completed the look with sparkling layers of necklaces and an array of bracelets, adding a glamorous touch to the ensemble.
Madonna and Akeem Morris were spotted on August 13, 2024, in Portofino, Italy. | Source: Getty Images. The “Hang Up” singer looked stunning with her blonde hair styled in soft waves cascading over her shoulders. She completed her chic look with black lace gloves, sunglasses, and slip-on sandals, once again showing her timeless and impeccable sense of style.
Madonna and Akeem Morris were spotted out and about on August 13, 2024, in Portofino, Italy. | Source: Getty Images. As they strolled through the streets, Madonna held tightly onto Akeem’s forearm, showing their strong connection. At one point, the pop icon was seen shielding herself from the sun with a white umbrella, adding a touch of elegance to their outing.
Madonna and Akeem Morris were spotted out and about on August 13, 2024, in Portofino, Italy. | Source: Getty Images. Morris opted for a casual yet stylish look, wearing a beige collared knitted top paired with cream and black shorts. He completed the outfit with sunglasses, giving him a relaxed, chic vibe as they enjoyed their outing together.
The pair’s Italian getaway comes just before Madonna’s 66th birthday on August 16, adding a festive and romantic touch to their holiday. However, their public outing and display of affection have sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans and critics weighing in on their relationship and the 37-year age gap.
Madonna was seen out and about on August 13, 2024, in Portofino, Italy. | Source: Getty Images. Opinions about her relationship are split, with some questioning her choices. One user commented, “Madonna keeps going from man to man. Revolving door style. Why can’t she just be content alone?” Another quipped, “Who does she think she is? Leo DiCaprio?”
The comparison to actor Leonardo DiCaprio, known for dating younger partners, hasn’t sat well with everyone. On the other hand, many fans are defending Madonna’s right to seek happiness on her own terms. One commenter noted that similar age gaps are common with other celebrities, questioning why Madonna’s relationship is being singled out.
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