I recently watched a tv documentary on the suffragettes of Newfoundland (circa 1890’s – 1925), chronicling their fight for the right to vote. My thoughts went to key points in history, past and present, where women have fought for their rights and equality. 

In the 60’s women burned their bras as a symbolic gesture. While not many actually burned their bras it became a symbol of women’s equality and independence. 

I’ve posted the photo above previously, but reposting it because I’m struck that we ‘burned our bras’ only to believe that our breasts aren’t good enough. Kind of feels like one step forward and one step back, IMHO. 

I’m saddened that that we feel the need to surgically enhance our breasts, but it angers me to know that women are making the decision to augment with breast implants based on the willful blindness of doctors and regulating bodies regarding breast implant safety – and without FULL DISCLOSURE. 

 We’ve bought into a lie where we are told we can put toxic devices within 2-3 cm of vital organs and not have our health impacted. 

Ironically, while we have toxic chemicals implanted we still read ingredient labels to avoid harmful chemicals; we exercise, and choose ‘healthy’ lifestyles. If we weren’t so invested in the belief we’re not enough the contradiction of the sales pitch that breast implants are safe would be obvious. 

The industry spends millions in a calculated campaign to seduce us into believing that toxic implants are ‘safe’ … and the illusion that we need them. 

True power and value don’t come through fake plastic chemical-filled sacs, or subscribing to an imposed ‘ideal’ of what we supposedly should look like. True power comes through self-love and self-acceptance.

Though it sounds cliché, KNOW you’re amazing just as you are, and don’t let ANYONE tell you differently – especially people profiting at your expense!

I hope we’ll all work toward standing in our true power. I HOPE WE FIND A SAFER, HEALTHIER WAY.

QUALIFYING COMMENT: I don’t judge anyone with breast implants, I once had them myself. I support each woman in their own choice and have great empathy for us all. These are just my personal musings. I didn’t realize my own disconnect with having toxic devices in me whilst pursuing a ‘healthy’ lifestyle until after rupture was diagnosed.

YOU ARE ENOUGH! The Celebrate Your Breasts Project promotes self-love and self-acceptance. It’s the only path to true health and happiness.

** Nipples are covered for the web, but are NOT covered in the actual exhibit **

The Celebrate Your Breasts Project promotes self-love and self-acceptance in ALL stages of life. Women between 19 – 70+ years participated. Breast implants were not allowed given the message of the project.

The project encourages honest dialogue about body image and the pressures women are facing to conform to an unrealistic and unsustainable standard of ‘beauty’. #letstalkbodyimage