Hello - and it's okay.

Jahmiele
Jan 19, 2018
2 min read

Hello! I'm opening this up with a massive feeling of excitement and accomplishment. Even though we've only just begun I can already give you a small list of the amazing things that have already happened for Tummies.

-Approached and interviewed by The Advertiser newspaper -Approached and interviewed on live radio by Triple M -Confirmed keys to our own studio office in the city -Over 400 people confirmed interest in participating as photographed tummies -In the process of having stickers and shirts printed -Posted our first participant video interview on Youtube -Hit 100 likes on Facebook within about a week of publishing our page (as I write this it sits at 231, only 2 days after hitting 100) I can confidently say we are so proud of ourselves and the people who are getting involved. We didn't ever imagine it would've taken off this quickly, and we obviously hope it continues to rise. On that note, however, I'd like to dedicate something to those who have said that they aren't confident enough, or are 'too anxious/embarrassed/ashamed' of their body to participate, and feel guilty because of saying no. It's okay. Please, don't feel guilty for saying that you don't want to participate. Don't feel guilty for feeling the way that you do about yourself and/or your body. This is the opposite of what you deserve, and of what we want to achieve. The #1 value of Tummies Untucked is that we solemnly swear to be honest with and about ourselves and others, and to love ourselves and others with all the care that is deserved. We do not condemn self-shame or negative self-image - we've all been there. We simply encourage self-love and self-care. There is nothing to feel guilty about. It is not of your own fault that you feel the way you do about your body.

It is the fault of the shameful society that we live in as Humans. It is the fault of the money-munching social media and cosmetic giants who profit from the shame and guilt of us as Humans. Unfortunately, this is not something that is easily escaped, but it is something that we, as Humans, can change.

While I do of course encourage all and every body to participate, to love themselves -or at least try - I know that is is easier said than done. All I can say is that we completely understand how you feel, no blame on you at all, thank you for your support regardless, and I do hope that one day you can reach a point where you can look in the mirror and say 'Yeah, I'm lookin' fiiiine' and truly mean and believe it. I'd like to end by quoting our 10th value: Self-love is a journey, not a destination. It is something that needs to be constantly practiced, and there is always room and time to start practicing. -Jahmiele