Our Bodies are Not an Image | Mary Jelkovsky | TEDxCherryCreekWomen

In a society surrounded by pictures, videos, and social media, body-image concerns continue to be on the rise. 96% percent of women report wanting to change their body in some way which shows that this is not an individual problem of low self-esteem, but rather a collective disconnect with how we see our body-image. Girls and women especially are bombarded with images of so-called “perfect bodies” that are often unattainable without going to extreme methods of weight control. Failure to achieve this “perfect body” can cause decreased self-esteem, feelings of unworthiness, or even an eating disorder. Although many people have spoken up about the importance of positive body-image and body positivity, Mary Jelkovsky explains how this approach can be a double-edged sword. Instead, she offers an unconventional approach for healing body-image struggles, building self-confidence, and cultivating unconditional self-love. Mary Jelkovsky (known as @maryscupofteaa on social media) is a former bikini fitness model turned self-love advocate and women’s retreat host.

After recovering from an eating disorder of 8 years and healing her body, mind, and spirit, she started her online platform Mary’s Cup of Tea, to inspire women to be more confident in their bodies and love themselves unconditionally.

Mary’s story has been featured in publications like Teen Vogue, Women's Health, and Self Magazine because unfortunately, so many women know what it’s like to hate their bodies. Mary is committed to changing this trend by empowering women of all shapes and sizes through her social media, online programs and worldwide self-love retreats.

[maryscupoftea]

I can’t believe this is meee!!! 😍 Ahhh I just hope that every woman who watches this loves herself a little more after this talk ♥️♥️♥️

[maryscupoftea]

If you liked this talk, please give it a thumbs up so it can reach every woman struggling with body image and self love!! 🙏♥️

[chantellgamble-dobie]

This is incredible. I'm typing this with tears rolling down my face. So relatable and real. Thank you for sharing your story and yourself with us!!

[ashachaturvedi]

I am a 13 year old girl, relating to every word just because I am broader than others, because I don't have the 'perfect' body. This ted talk really made me love myself a little more

[rosagiuseppaida]

"my mom loved me when i couldn't love myself "... Can 't relate more to this sentence, i'm as much sorry as i'm grateful to my mom who never left me even of the worst time... You 're so brave, your mamma must be so proud ❤

[sydneymurray]

My therapist sent me this video as I am struggling with body dysmorphia and I am so glad she did. This is incredibly powerful. Thank you, Mary 💝

[hannekeleeuwrik]

"Your body is an experience." I'm gonna repeat that to myself a *lot*. Thank you so much for sharing! 💓

[smileykitkat]

Mary,
I remember when I was in my sophomore year of high school, I had to write a timed essay of something inspiring or of importance. I decided to write this timed essay about you- a woman who has inspired me every single day. I still see your posts on social media daily, and every time I do, I'm reminded that my body is just fine the way it is. I don't need to diet or try to look a certain way- for I am human, and I deserve to take up space.
Thank you so much for continually inspiring me, and even helping my confidence. I'm sure others can say the exact same thing.

[rahmaali]

1) Pause. Face what you are feeling. 2) Breathe. Focus your energy and attention to the area around your heart. Shift focus from mind to heart. Picture sending all that energy to your heart space. 3) let yourself feel the love. Give yourself permission to feel your own love.

[אשירהקרוניש]

I got emotional with you, remembering what I missed out on and how great it feels to be where I am now. Thank you for this talk, you did good❤️

[MiissSLG]

At one point all the instagram pages I was following were of fitness women with “perfect” bodies and I thought I was motivating myself but it turns out that I was only making myself feel worse. And I don’t mean to put down fitness women at all but I realised I need to focus attention inward and listen to my own body and mind to figure out what I need and how to love myself. You are doing such a good job of reminding me of the important things!

[benthesenders]

You made me cry as I was listening this while working on assignments for my internship (student nutrition and dietetics) and it hit home way to hard. You can be so proud on yourself, you're helping so many women across the world. We need more Mary's in this world. Thank you for being you 💕

[rmary-tuwm]

Thank you Mary, i am from Brazil and you changed my life

[seg]

Such wisdom in someone so young! I am twice your age and I am inspired by your words. The phrase "your body is an experience" will stick with me. Love and light to you, Mary.

[zenacross]

Well done Mary, you are AMAZING. 😭

Proud of you. 💜

[jenkowalski]

This made me cry but it also made me learn a bit more about what I need to fully start to recover from my eating disorders. Thank you for so openly sharing your stories

[MS-nwyz]

This honestly made me tear up. Really powerful talk. Thank you for everything you do, Mary. You are truly impacting lives.

[rhorne]

Such a fantastic message and so spot on in today’s world. Congrats Mary

[TsuuuNami]

Thank you for the 3 steps, Mary! Sometimes at work, I find myself letting people telling me it’s not worth it for a girl/women push carts at a Walmart. Self worth is definitely important 👏🏼❤

[rachelplotkin]

I love you so much, Mary! My ED recovery also started with a panic attack over a mocha ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️