For disproportionate, pear-shaped women, embracing the curves may take time and acceptance. An eyebrow of uncertainty is raised by some reading this. Less than endowed upper-bodied women, while occupying a bigger, bequeathed booty, are curved like a trapezoid, shorter parallel side on top, also known as pear-shaped or pyriform. Essentially shoulders, chest, and waists, are narrower, while hips, thighs, and rears, have considerable width in comparison.

Therefore, bathing suits must be bought in separates; pant sizes are larger to accommodate a bigger booté; and A-line skirts, dresses, and wider pants are prerequisites for fitting attire. Although pear-shape physiques have a decreased risk of heart disease and child-rearing hips are handy for motherhood, supermodels with this description rarely exist in our culture. Embracing these quarks and blessings is part of the healing journey towards a healthy body image.

My pear-shaped experience as a thin person proves that when my pant size dips below a six, my emaciated upper body receives great attention from the critics. “You’re getting too thin.” “Are you okay?” “I think you should stop losing weight.” These meaningful warnings alarm the presence of a disproportionate body. Although my weight is perfectly within optimal, healthy levels, the distorted ratios of my physique are misaligned. Therefore, I have a stopping point, where my hips and thighs measure thinly, strong, and fit, when my upper body is close to the bone. As a pear-shaped woman, that is my reality while reaching a healthy weight.

Appreciating and loving my body image has been a lifetime of redirecting my perceptions from disadvantaged genetics to opportune beauty. My shape given by divine origin is the external piece of me, and thankfully has awarded me athletic prowess and a plethora of physical abilities. Fitting the inside and outside, the emotional and physical puzzle together, paves the path to a healthy wholeness. The internal messages speak and must correlate with loving all parts of ourselves.

Although some pears are harvested prior to ripeness, others remain upon tree until readiness. My own journey equates to growing upon the tree, awaiting my moment to ascend to acceptance, love, and respect for the shape I am. Self-love for the beauty bestowed upon us at birth is a blessing to embrace wholeheartedly. Pear-shaped or any other carries us through life, irrelevant of its appearance, shouldering greater responsibility for physical movement and empowerment. Embracing the curves and the pear is one step in that direction.