Welcome to Day 3 of the Sweet Nothings 3rd Anniversary Giveaways! Be sure to checkout Monday’s Panache giveaway and Tuesday’s Parfait giveaway, too– all giveaways will run through Thursday, May 14.
I’ve mentioned a few times that Sweet Nothings has a no-body-snark policy. Inspired by the Lingerie Addict, this policy means that any dissection, criticism, or other judgmental comments about people’s bodies is not allowed on the blog or on the Sweet Nothings social media channels. There are tons of places where it’s considered acceptable or even encouraged for people to decide which body types are good, healthy, or ideal, and which body types are “allowed” to wear what items of clothing. I don’t truck with that nonsense, so we don’t do it here.
While obviously this is the best website in the entire world and no one need visit any others, the fact remains that while there’s no snark here, it’s more than likely that you’ll encounter it elsewhere as you go about your day, whether it’s in person, on TV, in magazines and newspapers, or, especially, online. We encounter it over and over, so often that it’s easy for the snark to start to seem like fact, and then, more insidiously, for it to become a part of our thought patterns, including the way we think about ourselves and our bodies.
So how do you create your own counter-programming? I don’t know about you, but when I’m struggling to be body-positive towards myself, nothing feels worse than hopping up and looking in the mirror and going “hey Sweets, your body is beautiful and you’re a radiant angel and you’re terrific and now you feel better!” It doesn’t work like that– I can’t help but feel phony. What I have found works well for me when I start feeling down on myself is to say “oh, hey. Something’s going on, and right now I’m struggling with body-positivity.” That way I’m NOT pretending my feelings aren’t happening, but I’m also not giving voice to negative feelings and mistaking them for fact. Words are powerful; when we write down or give voice to negative thoughts, they take on the weight of truth, even (and especially) when they’re not true. Acknowledging the struggle without speaking the negative words has been one of the best tricks I’ve learned for bringing myself a little peace when I’m feeling down.
The next step, of course, is to seek out positive reinforcement that feels genuine and unforced. And that’s where today’s giveaway comes into play: I’m delighted to introduce Inner Truth Panties by Chicken Eye Designs.
First of all, these cute cotton bikini briefs, available in sizes Small-2X, are incredibly comfortable to wear. Y’all know I’m picky about bikini briefs that feel like they’re going to fall off, and these are GREAT– a classic bikini cut that’s still comfortable and wearable. Secondly, as creator Joy says on her website, “InnerTruth Panties aim to help women take back their body image, self confidence and inner voices by incorporating positive messages into their lives – including into their underwear.” How? Each pair features a message embroidered on the front that can be read when seen in the mirror or when getting dressed and undressed. The messages are ones of empowerment, healing, and affirmation. Some of my favorites:
- A small step is still a step
- I define who I am
- What I say matters
- I deserve happiness
- I will be healed
- I am fucking awesome
Joy offered me a pair of my own to try, and I chose “I like who I am” for my message. Again, I was a little worried about feeling like a doofus looking in the mirror and seeing an affirmation on my underwear, but you know what? I really dig it. I also really like that the message redirects my thoughts away from what I look like and back towards who I AM. Underwear can’t cure all that ails us, of course, but we can at least have a voice for positivity looking back at us when we look in the mirror.
THE PRIZE:
One winner will be selected at random through Rafflecopter, and the winner will be eligible to pick one pair of Inner Truth Panties with a message of their choice.
TO ENTER:
- Please leave a comment on this post sharing one thing you like to tell yourself (or a friend!) if you (or they!) are feeling down. (This is the only required entry.) Please note that if you’re a new visitor to Sweet Nothings your comment will go to my moderation queue before it appears on the blog. Don’t worry! I’ll be monitoring these and will approve them as fast as I possibly can.
- For extra chances to win, you can follow Sweet Nothings and Chicken Eye Designs on Facebook and Twitter and share a tweet about the giveaway. Please note these entries are NOT required; you can use them to boost your chances of winning.
Entrants must use the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of the post so their entries can be accurately counted and checked. Not using the Rafflecopter widget means your entries are not validated. Remember to leave a valid email address that you have access to and check regularly, as you’ll be contacted via email if you win. Please note that giveaway accounts (i.e. social media accounts dedicated solely to sweepstakes entries and giveaways) are ineligible to win.
Terms and Conditions: Entering this giveaway indicates an acceptance of all terms and conditions. Neither Sweet Nothings nor Chicken Eye Designs/Inner Truth Panties can be held responsible for failure to follow the guidelines given in this blog post. Facebook, Twitter, and Rafflecopter are unaffiliated with this giveaway. Persons working for Sweet Nothings and Chicken Eye Designs/Inner Truth Panties, as well as their immediate family members, are ineligible to enter or win.
More fine print:
- This giveaway is open to USA-BASED READERS ONLY. Don’t worry, international friends, worldwide giveaways launch tomorrow!
- This giveaway is sponsored solely by Chicken Eye Designs/Inner Truth Panties.
- Winner may select their prize from one of the Inner Truth Panties’ three main collections, or they may request a custom message.
- This prize is non-transferrable and may not be exchanged for cash.
- The contest will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, May 14, 2015.
- I will announce the winner on Friday, May 15, 2015. If I have not heard from the winner within 72 hours of the drawing, another winner will be selected.
- Once the winner claims their prize, I will coordinate delivery of the prize with Inner Truth Panties.
Good luck!
Shannon
May 6, 2015 at 1:02 am (8 years ago)I like to remind myself that I’m really fucking accomplished and brilliant! If I’m feeling bad about my body, redirecting my thoughts to all the good things about my brain helps.
Sophie
May 6, 2015 at 7:03 am (8 years ago)I like to tell myself that my body is wonderful, healthy and helps me do all the things I want to do: walk anywhere, lift heavy stuff, hug my friends, dance for hours etc…
I really love these lyrics by Regina Spektor:
“I got a perfect body
But sometimes I forget
I got a perfect body
Cause my eyelashes catch my sweat!”
Gretchen
May 6, 2015 at 8:43 am (8 years ago)“This too shall pass.”
Katharine
May 6, 2015 at 10:31 am (8 years ago)You are beautiful!
Renee
May 6, 2015 at 11:52 am (8 years ago)I deserve the best!
Ltab
May 6, 2015 at 12:03 pm (8 years ago)What I have come to tell myself when I’m down is not to feel bad about taking time to make myself feel better. Sometimes you need to just let things be “all about you” and not worry what other people think. It’s okay and not selfish to focus on yourself when you’re having a difficult time. Other people’s estimations of what should be easy or difficult for you don’t matter at all, especially when you’re dealing with turmoil inside.
Roxanne
May 6, 2015 at 1:17 pm (8 years ago)Tomorrow’s a new day and it could always be worse!
Erica of A Sophisticated Pair
May 6, 2015 at 2:14 pm (8 years ago)So, my first thought when I saw these was: I totally want a pair of underwear that says “I am fucking awesome.” My next thought was said in my grandmother’s voice: “I always told you to wear clean underwear in case you had an accident and people saw them. So you’re going to wear a pair with THAT on them?? The paramedics are going to think you’re nuts.” So, that kind of makes me want them more! Also, these would be awesome for the shop.
Sweets
May 6, 2015 at 2:46 pm (8 years ago)ERICA. YES. This is a solid A+ reason to have “I am fucking awesome” on your underwear.
Florence
May 6, 2015 at 2:35 pm (8 years ago)I like to tell myself it will be ok and I will get through this difficult time in my life. The “you will be healed” panties sound great :3
Nanci cope
May 6, 2015 at 2:37 pm (8 years ago)A common negative body association I have is guilt, that I had a second piece of cake or didn’t excercise, etc so I try to remind myself it’s my body and I’no the only one who has a right to criticize or comment on what I put in it or do with it.
Kayley
May 6, 2015 at 4:21 pm (8 years ago)I like to remind myself that pain, like pleasure, is temporary. All things change over time.
karen mayernick
May 6, 2015 at 9:34 pm (8 years ago)Tomorrow is a new day!
Jeanne Rousseau
May 6, 2015 at 10:06 pm (8 years ago)We have to love ourselves though it all, sometimes we are the only ones we have.
Sheryl
May 6, 2015 at 10:37 pm (8 years ago)I like to remind myself that it’s ok to feel what I’m feeling. I like the “A small step is still a step” panties 🙂 Because I most often have to remind myself when I am overwhelmed by all the different steps ahead of me, beckoning all at once.
Alicia
May 6, 2015 at 11:30 pm (8 years ago)When I’m possibly about to do a big ol’ belly flop by following my heart, & everyone else thinks I’m an idiot: Go big or go home.
When I don’t feel good enough, I hum to my Southern granny’s advice: Sing it loud, Walk it proud.
And when I feel unappreciated by those who love me best, I hear my mom’s words: You are my bright, beautiful firstborn; I may not understand you 1/2 the time, but I love you All of the time.
Jennifer Long
May 6, 2015 at 11:33 pm (8 years ago)I like to remind myself my kids need me at my best!
Amelia Drew
May 7, 2015 at 1:08 am (8 years ago)I like to remind myself how loved I am by family and friends- it always cheers me up!
Beth D
May 7, 2015 at 9:19 am (8 years ago)I like to remind myself I am brave and that I can handle anything life throws at me 🙂
Sandy Klocinski
May 7, 2015 at 9:47 am (8 years ago)I’ve made it through this (or worse) before.
Ashley Perez
May 7, 2015 at 12:07 pm (8 years ago)I am smart and beautiful 🙂
Abby
May 7, 2015 at 12:23 pm (8 years ago)Nothing has stopped you before
Vanessa Madrigal
May 7, 2015 at 4:52 pm (8 years ago)Love yourself! 🙂
Brittney House
May 7, 2015 at 8:01 pm (8 years ago)…Well, it could be worse.
Christine
May 7, 2015 at 8:54 pm (8 years ago)You are beautiful
Holly E
May 7, 2015 at 9:41 pm (8 years ago)You are loved.
Aaron
May 7, 2015 at 10:20 pm (8 years ago)“This too shall pass”
Jess
May 8, 2015 at 8:39 pm (8 years ago)Emotions are visitors — let them come and go!
She
May 8, 2015 at 11:13 pm (8 years ago)Keep Positive!
Natalie Crossan
May 9, 2015 at 6:49 pm (8 years ago)Love yourself!
Ashley C
May 9, 2015 at 11:22 pm (8 years ago)I tell myself everything happens for a reason, and if its not ok then it isn’t over!
Rebecca Gomez
May 10, 2015 at 8:27 am (8 years ago)You deserve the best and better!
Sean
May 10, 2015 at 4:55 pm (8 years ago)I tell myself, “YOU ROCK!”
Alina
May 10, 2015 at 5:13 pm (8 years ago)I’m STRONG!
Erica B.
May 10, 2015 at 5:31 pm (8 years ago)It could be worse.
Theresa
May 10, 2015 at 9:58 pm (8 years ago)When I’m feeling like I can’t handle something or when I’m down I keep repeating “You’re stronger than this” to myself. It works.
Heather S
May 12, 2015 at 11:58 am (8 years ago)I remind myself how kind and selfless and smart I am 🙂
vera
May 12, 2015 at 11:06 pm (8 years ago)It’s not as bad as it seems.
Danielle D
May 13, 2015 at 1:09 am (8 years ago)I am worth it
Ashley Miller
May 13, 2015 at 4:04 am (8 years ago)I tell myself, “what is meant to be, will be!” (;
Laura E.
May 13, 2015 at 8:58 am (8 years ago)When I’m feeling down, I just put myself into context: I have great friends, a great mom, a great boyfriend, and yeah, shit’s bothering me right now, but I’m still lucky. It helps a whole lot. 🙂
Emily
May 13, 2015 at 4:29 pm (8 years ago)“You beat (big, personal health problem in my past), you can beat anything. Trust yourself.”
Marty C.
May 13, 2015 at 5:45 pm (8 years ago)I can go to bed tonight and tomorrow is a fresh start.
Jovan (@jovansjourney)
May 13, 2015 at 7:23 pm (8 years ago)This too shall pass.
Stephanie Galbraith
May 14, 2015 at 12:06 am (8 years ago)I like to tell myself that this is not how I should be feeling, I am strong, and I can do what I want.
Danielle
May 14, 2015 at 12:31 pm (8 years ago)When bad thoughts creep in I say to myself, “shut up, you’re sexy and smart and sweet.”
Michelle D
May 14, 2015 at 2:51 pm (8 years ago)“You are an amazing woman!” It always makes me feel better!
Sue J.
May 14, 2015 at 10:23 pm (8 years ago)I tell myself that tomorrow will be a better day!
Sand
May 14, 2015 at 11:27 pm (8 years ago)I remind myself of all the things I’ve overcome.