ne of the best moments in a woman’s life is when she discovers how fulfilling friendships with other women can be. For Aliss Bonython, a 22-year-old student in England, Instagram was an integral part of her journey in finding female friendships.
“The body-positive Instagram community is home to a wide range of women from different backgrounds, and when we come together to preach that body positivity is about inclusivity, that's when it's magic.”
Aliss’ Instagram (@alissbonyt) is dedicated to her recovery journey from anorexia, where she offers “advice for people in the same situation, trying to make a better life for themselves. I work to show different types of bodies in the media and how unphotoshopped images are beautiful and need to be seen.”
On top of her call to help others, Aliss also has a deep interest in politics and the world she’s growing up in.
"I'd love to get a coffee with Jeremy Corbyn—he's a British politician who was almost prime minister earlier this year and has incredibly progressive views about youth unemployment, housing, and issues with racism in the U.K. and how to tackle them.”
As any activist knows, the importance of taking time for self-care and doing the things you enjoy will make or break you. Thankfully, Aliss has a great support system and a routine that helps her keep herself in check.
“I have some incredible friends and family who support me and what I'm doing. My best friend, who lives with me, is always there whenever I need her and constantly tells me that my viewpoint and what I do to promote positivity have changed her view of herself and others. She helps remind me of who I am and what I'm doing."
“My average day consists of waking up and turning on some music (my favorite playlist right now is Sweet Soul Sunday), making some coffee and breakfast—usually toast and avocado—then getting ready for class. If I don't have many or any classes that day, I'll head to the gym or library, and sometimes I'll grab coffee with my mom or sister.
When I need a pick-me-up, I take time to relax. I might put on a face mask, snuggle on the sofa, and watch a movie with my best friend, or if my nephew is in town, I love taking care of him—he makes my heart melt.”
The most important part of her message is that this is a lifelong journey.
“I work hard to make sure I don't slip back into self-loathing. I remind myself that my worth has never and will never be based on how I look, and that beauty is entirely subjective. I think I would say to my younger self that, however cliché this may sound, it gets better. No matter who or what you have lost, there are still people in your life who would give anything to make you feel better. You are going to be successful in ways you never knew, and it will never be tainted by how you look.”
To see more of Aliss and her journey, please follow her @alissbonyt
