Let’s talk about the S word.
Sexy.
This four letter word holds so much power. The power to belittle, the power to shame, the power to crush one’s self esteem, the power to give up on loving yourself. “She’s dressed too sexy” “She’s too old to be sexy” “She’s too large to be sexy” “She’s too homely to be sexy” This one four letter word holds so much negative weight, that the true power and greatness of this word, has been stripped away. What is the real power of sexy? Why should we give a f*ck about feeling sexy?
Like most women, and even men, I have struggled with feeling confident in my own skin. I have a hard time knowing if others find me attractive, and I don’t believe them when they say they do. I allow the opinions of others to weigh on my self esteem, especially the opposite sex. But over time while working to fully love myself for the amazing badass woman that I am, I have realized something. I am sexy as f*ck. It may sound egotistical, but it’s true, and I am not sorry for saying it.
My good friend Layla Asher, through her own self love journey, has also discovered that she too, is sexy as f*ck. I asked Layla to share some thoughts of why she gives a f*ck about feeling sexy.
What Does Feeling Sexy Mean To You?
To me, feeling sexy means feeling empowered and feeling like my confidence is shining from the inside out. Over the years I’ve learned that my empowerment, confidence, and sexiness are all a state of mind. If I am really feeling myself, I can feel just as sexy in lingerie as I do in my favorite old, ratty, oversized t-shirt. For me, that feeling can be intensified when I’m able to vibe off of other people’s energy. That energetic combination can be so intoxicating and so contagious! There’s nothing like putting on a great outfit and some fabulous makeup and going out into the world. People take notice and I feel like the plus size Carrie Bradshaw!”
Why Do You Feel It’s Important To Feel Sexy?
I think as women it’s incredibly important to feel sexy. When you feel sexy you are accepting and loving yourself and your body just the way you are. Getting to that place as a woman takes a lot of hard work and a lot of breaking down barriers. Feeling sexy also means expressing your sexual side without shame and that is such a beautiful and meaningful thing! We have been taught and reminded over and over not to express our sexual sides because it will invite unwanted attention. I am hopeful that by embracing our sexiness we are changing this stereotype and that feeling sexy from now on means feeling safe and feeling empowered! And what’s more important than that?”
Feeling sexy is a mindset. When you allow yourself the freedom to feel comfortable and sexy and to be who you want to be, you can’t help but ooze sexy confidence. Here are some of the ways I have learned to how create this mindset and embrace giving a f*ck about feeling sexy.
1.Have an at home boudoir photoshoot
There is something so magical about slipping into negligee and taking sexy photos for yourself. You can’t help but feel like you are the sexiest person alive. All you need is your phone, your favorite piece of lingerie, some mood lighting and you are good to go! Explore with poses that make you feel sexy and empowered. (Check out some inspiration for boudoir poses here) These photos are for you so allow yourself the freedom to just be you. I think you’ll be surprised with how easily that confidence will translate over into how you carry yourself in the outside world. If there is a photo that you particularly love, share it on social media. I have found that the usual response is overwhelmingly positive. I have a photo of myself that I love so much, I use it as my lock screen on my phone. It serves as a reminder of how amazing I really am. That’s the purpose of taking these photos. It’s a reminder to you of how amazing and sexy you are.
2.Wear the clothing you have always thought was sexy but were too nervous to try
I have always wanted to wear crop tops, but I have never felt like I have had the body for them. I would buy a crop top and then let it be wasted and forgotten in the back of my closet. I finally reached a point where I said “F*CK IT!,” wore my first crop top out, and I haven’t looked back since. After I made that choice for myself, it became easier for me to experiment with other clothing to feel sexy in. Slip dresses, tight jeans, deeper cuts, oversized t-shirts paired with ripped boyfriend jeans, there is nothing that I won’t try now. Buy something that you have always found sexy but didn’t have the courage to try. Wear it around your home. Allow yourself to admire your curves, the way it falls on your body, notice how you hold yourself in the mirror. You look sexy as f*ck right? That’s because you are. Wear these outfits around the house, to the grocery store, Hell, take yourself out to a bar and buy yourself a drink, because you are sexy as f*ck and deserve that drink.
3.Listen to positive affirmations
I know this one sounds cheesy, believe me, I know. I used to be one of those people who did not buy into this, but after I listened to “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero on audible, I noticed that I was holding myself differently. I was walking with confidence because I listened to how amazing I was over and over and over again. I couldn’t help but believe it. I have been chasing that high ever since. It feels so good to walk with confidence, having no doubts about how sexy you are. Read Jen’s book, create a mood board of positive statements, or make a playlist of confidence boosting music. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it creates a positive atmosphere to get into a confident mindset. You’ll notice that you start to carry yourself differently. You’ll walk with confidence and show the world how sexy you are.
4.Just be yourself
This is the most important thing you can do to feel sexy. Only you know how to do this. Embrace yourself for all of the wonderful things you are, flaws and all. This is not an easy process and it takes time, but I promise it is worth taking the time. When you love yourself, you can’t help but to feel sexy all the damn time. Because let me tell you, YOU. ARE. SEXY.
Feeling sexy isn’t about dressing a certain way or looking a certain way. Feeling sexy is a state of mind. It’s the connection you have with yourself and understanding how truly special and amazing you are. When you feel sexy, the world has limitless possibilities. There is no fear while exploring new avenues because you have the confidence to do it. The true magic about feeling sexy is that there is no wrong way to feel sexy. Wear makeup, wear no makeup. Wear a tight dress, wear loose jeans. Wear heels, wear sneakers. Wear matching lingerie, wear nothing at all. Do whatever you want as long as YOU feel sexy.
So, what is the true power of this magical four letter word? Sexy is the power of confidence, the power of believing, the power of raising others up, the power of loving yourself. Sexy is the greatest four letter word there is. Give A F*ck About Feeling Sexy, because it is the most rewarding thing you will ever do for yourself.
What does feeling sexy mean to you? Share your answer and photos with the hashtag #IGAFABOUTME to be featured.
Be sure to follow Layla and her mission of spreading body positivity @misslaylaasher