MeUndies Gives x The Body Positive

Get the scoop on our MeUndies x The Body Positive discussion on body positivity and mental health with tips on how to cultivate self-love. The Body Positive and special guests talked about mental health awareness and how to increase self-compassion, reduce anxiety and depression, and foster positive embodiment. World Mental Health Day was October 10, but you can focus on your mental health 365 days a year—in fact, it’s encouraged and celebrated here.

We believe that when we’re able to feel comfortable in our own skin, we can make positive changes in our lives, communities, and beyond. That’s why in support of our ongoing initiative, MeUndies Gives, we partnered with The Body Positive, an an online education platform that re-connects youth and adults to their innate body wisdom for more balanced, joyful self-care and a relationship with their whole selves that is guided by love, forgiveness, and humor. 

On October 10, we held a panel discussion with special guests Bailey Peyton and Noah Fontaine along with The Body Positive on Instagram Live to talk about reclaiming our health, beauty, and confidence to live full, happy lives. Check it out here. 

Here’s a recap of our body positivity and mental health panel discussion with some helpful tips on how to support the healing of your mind, body, and soul:

Athena opened the discussion with her own journey toward body positivity and the mental health hurdles she faced. Her perspective changed when she realized there’s more than one way to live and look at yourself.

Athena: “The BMI (Body Mass Index) was created off of white, thin, rich, able-bodied people in the 1800s and that’s what we use to measure this whole population of people across the world. We use fatphobia as an excuse for racism, homophobia, and so many other things...I thought there was one way to live my life. I was trying to be thinner and lighter-skinned and more able-bodied. I thought that was the trajectory.”

Bailey discussed how the lack of representation for people who look like her in the world, and how it inspired her to become that person for others:

Bailey: “Confidence is not just about our body, but asking ourselves every day, ‘How do I want to show up in the world?’ Confidence is not a one-day journey, it’s an everyday choice.” 

Noah weighed in with how representation impacted them:

Noah: “I’m AFAB, so I’m transgender, and I had no idea people felt good in their bodies. I had no idea until I started my transitioning.”

Athena asked Bailey and Noah what are little things and big things that make them feel comfortable in their bodies: 

Bailey: “Everyone’s journey of how to feel good in your body is going to be different, and that’s okay. You can admire and look up to someone else, but I think it’s important to not get into a place of comparison. That kept me in a dark place for a long time. I was getting caught in comparisons. One of the things that helped me out is walking around a lot in a swimsuit, or my Undies, or naked. Honestly, it’s so freaking empowering!”

Noah: “It’s forever evolving. One day you’re like, “I got it!” and the next day you have to start all over again.”

Athena: “On the days I feel low, I still feel excited about other people seeing me and thinking, that person is carrying themselves with confidence.”

Noah shared a helpful tip for anyone who is looking for a more harmonious relationship with their own body:

Noah: “We’re human. Not every day is going to be perfect. It’s okay to not be okay, y’all. We’re all in it together.”

Want to learn more about The Body Positive and find ways you can help?