Breaking Free from Insecurities: How Dove's Real Beauty Campaign Helped Me Overcome Body Image Issues.

 I have always struggled with body image issues. I was the kid who was bullied in school for playing sports because of my weight. I have a unique name, but somehow people preferred calling me "Moti."

I don't blame them, as pronouncing Kamya can be difficult for some people. However, I graduated from school and received a pat on my back for surviving it gracefully.

Then COVID happened, and I was influenced by a few motivational speakers, so I lost over 8kgs. The transformation from an M to an XS was something I was proud of. I felt more confident, and my self-esteem increased by 200%. Although I was body-shamed again, this time for my XS size, it didn't affect me. The sole reason was my confidence. I liked my new body shape, and for the first time in my life, I confidently wore crop tops without pairing them up with a shrug.

Recently, due to grief, my eating disorder relapsed, and I gained over 3-4 kgs again. Although I still wear XS, my full-earned belly is now visible. I was on the verge of losing my confidence, about to make friends with my old pals, "insecurities."

Somehow, while researching campaigns, I stumbled upon an old marketing campaign of Dove - Dove's Real Beauty.

The "Real Beauty" campaign was a groundbreaking campaign that challenged traditional beauty standards and promoted body positivity. The campaign launched in 2004 and featured women of all shapes, sizes, and ages in their natural beauty. The campaign was a response to the narrow definition of beauty portrayed in the media, and it aimed to celebrate the beauty of all women. It's been nine years, and this campaign is still serving its purpose.

Dove's Real Beauty campaign has not only changed my life but has also made me think about my body image issues. This campaign made me realize that as long as I'm confident about my body, no single soul can make me feel insecure. As long as you're fit and healthy, it doesn't matter whether you're wearing XS or M.