Puberty: understanding and loving your body!

You’re in the middle of puberty, and your body is changing. Maybe you’re still finding it hard to accept, but all these changes are essential and positive. It’s thanks to them that you’re going to become a beautiful, strong and unique woman. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you accept your changing body and love it as it is!

Normal and useful body changes

Each of the physical changes you notice has a specific role to play:

Are your breasts swelling? That’s normal: they’re changing to take on the beautiful shape of a woman’s breasts, which will enable you to breastfeed after pregnancy. If one breast is smaller than the other, don’t worry, it’s only temporary and should soon return to normal.

Are you growing a lot of hair? This is normal: your body is starting to produce sexual hormones and is changing into that of a woman.
Do you have acne or pimples and sweat a lot? It’s normal: it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It shows that your hormones are working well. Tell yourself that it’s temporary, and that it’s for a good cause!
Don’t recognise your figure any more? That’s normal: like a butterfly hatching from its cocoon, you’re leaving your little girl’s body behind and welcoming your woman’s body.
In short, you’ve got it: all these changes are a good sign! You need to play them down, accept them, and even enjoy them. If you feel the need, don’t hesitate to discuss to talk to someone you trust (link to “Where to turn”). And don’t forget to write down how you feel in your diary (Weerwi or notebook). It feels good, you’ll see!
Your body makes you a unique and beautiful person

Today, you may find it hard to recognise and accept your body. You have every right to feel these emotions, and many young girls (and boys) feel them too. Besides, it’s a time when you want to please other people. The truth is that each of us is unique and it would be very boring if we all looked the same.

Making peace with your self-image can take time and that’s OK.

We’re all different, and that’s what makes us so beautiful. However long it takes, learn to love yourself as you are!

Tell yourself that all the physical changes you go through will only last a moment. They are what will make you a beautiful, strong and fulfilled woman. Even if you change, you’re still a unique and magnificent young woman. You’re fine just the way you are, and if you’re fulfilled, you’ll look beautiful everywhere!