What Brazil Taught Me About Beauty, Body Image, and Coming Home to Myself
Let’s talk about being an average looking woman visiting Brazil.
Now, I recognize I’ll get some backlash for saying that…cause when DOESN’T a woman get torn apart for saying anything. But I’m cute, not a Brazilian 10 and I know this.
It took me a while to visit this country I knew had a global reputation for being sexier than anywhere else on the planet. I had imposter syndrome, paired with a fear for my safety while solo there.
As someone who really enjoys sociology and observing groups of people…Brazil was really special to witness. Not only do they excel for their beauty, they’re unquestionably friendly as well. So welcoming…no matter who you talk to. Guys, girls, old folks, children. The acceptance makes your insecurities feel small. I started to realize it wasn’t as important to them if my skin was perfect, or if I had a jiggly belly on the beach.
The joy that emulates from every Brazilian is infectious. You start feeling the joy, and rewriting your old programming. The thoughts that made you feel less than and not good enough, for so many years.
I think being able to blend in and look Brazilian was what actually healed me most. My entire childhood I’ve felt like an “other,” because of the US census data.
Part Syrian, part Italian, part French-Canadian, part Czechoslovakian…the classic American story of a family with roots from all over the world but no central identity. I always wanted to be someone I wasn’t because I didn’t have representation in my media of girls with curly hair, tanned skin, curves, or those that embraced their sexuality as a woman instead of feeling shame for it.
Assimilation is part of our story as Americans, unfortunately. I envy Brazilians who had an acceptance of their looks from day 1. They were permitted to dance, shake their hips, kiss, be loud, be joyful.
I want women to come see it for themselves.
To know that there’s a place we are allowed to exist more fully in our divinity.
To break down the walls that the patriarchy intentionally made us put up.
Girls, it’s time to come home to yourself.
Join me in Brazil so we can live in it together.