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This News Anchor’s Inspiring Bikini Photo Is Creating Waves for All the Right Reasons
by Sarah Jennings
Updated: July 7, 2016
Originally Published: July 7, 2016
In a heartfelt Facebook post, broadcaster Mia Thompson encourages women to stop the cycle of body criticism.
Have you ever looked back at an old photograph of yourself and thought, “Wow, I looked amazing”? Now, how often do you recall feeling completely different at that moment—like you were too heavy, tired, or just not good enough?
We are our own harshest critics, often distorting our self-image through a lens of insecurity that alters how we perceive ourselves.
Mia Thompson, a news anchor at WXYZ-TV in Michigan, is not immune to these struggles. As a mother, she faces the same body image challenges we all do. Recently, she stumbled upon an old photo and reflected on her initial reaction when it was taken. Her story may resonate with you.
“When I first came across this picture, I was shocked. My inner thoughts included, ‘Cellulite! Thighs like tree trunks! Stretch marks! Ugh!’ Now, two years and a few extra pounds later, I’m left wondering why I ever felt that way,” she shared. “Why do so many of us criticize ourselves this way?”
This raises an interesting point. There’s a popular saying that goes, “I wish I could be as heavy as I was the first time I thought I was heavy.” We seldom appreciate our looks in the moment, only to look back later and wonder what we were thinking.
At 40 years old and heavier than ever, I often reflect on how I criticized myself in my 20s and 30s. I have a strong feeling that when I’m 60, I’ll look back at photos from today and see a vibrant, happy woman. Why can’t I appreciate that now?
A few weeks ago, Mia shared a post from another blog titled “Embrace Your Swimsuit.” It’s a wonderful piece about self-acceptance and celebrating your body. “When I shared that essay, a friend approached me to express her gratitude. She has battled negative body image for years and often turns down invitations to the beach or pool because of it. But this year, she finally decided to enjoy herself. I thought to myself, ‘Really?! You’re so beautiful!’”
If only we could see ourselves through our friends’ eyes.
Mia notes the negativity surrounding body image, even among accomplished women. “Every day in the dressing room, I hear comments like, ‘Oh my gosh, look at my thighs! Ugh…my hair! Ew – this belly! Yikes, those wrinkles!’ These remarks come from some of the most intelligent, talented, and stunning women I know. Why?”
Determined to change this, Mia has set herself a challenge: “I’m going to watch my inner dialogue and how I speak out loud to eliminate negativity. Not just for me, but for my son. I want him to be around people who appreciate others for their character and intellect, not just their looks.”
What a great initiative! We should all strive for this.
“To quote a yoga instructor I had: ‘It’s not about how it looks, but how it feels.’”
“Take care, everyone,” she concluded. “And wear your swimsuit with pride!”
For more enlightening reads, check out our other blog posts like this one on intracervicalinsemination.com about body positivity and acceptance.
In summary, Mia Thompson’s powerful message encourages women to embrace their bodies and stop the negative self-talk that often clouds our perceptions. By fostering a more positive inner dialogue, we can set a better example for future generations.