Ending the pursuit of perfection | Iskra Lawrence | TEDxUniversityofNevada

In this inspiring talk, model Iskra Lawrence asserts that we all need to be taught how to look after ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally and encourages us to invest in ourselves right now. She gives examples of self-care techniques like the mirror challenge and the gratitude list that work for anyone, any age, anytime. If we learn self-care and practice self-care, then we can gift self-care to others.

Iskra is a British model represented by JAG models in the Americas and Models1 in Europe. A champion of body diversity, Iskra has long been committed to improving the image of women in the media, having been told she was both “too big” for straight-size modeling and “not big enough” for plus-modeling. Iskra is committed to posting unretouched images on her social media channels and has launched her #IskrasArmy campaign to introduce compulsory self-care education for boys and girls in UK schools.

[artmaltman]

"If we are insecure, we are a motivated consumer." "Gratitude list." Powerful talk.

[sophiemac]

Even though I don't struggle with insecurities with my body today to the extent I once did, I was cleaning out the notes on my phone today and came across this. It was under the title 'if you're ever feeling insecure, watch this' and I have a few notes like these so I watched this and it reminded me of how far I've come. I was so close to an eating disorder. As soon as I would eat something bad I'd promise myself not to eat anything till the next day. The whole 'don't eat till you're full' thing was a sentence I took very seriously in my everyday life and man did this girl inspire me to stop. Iskra made me realise that no matter how much thinner I got, I would just want more. I began to see that even though I decided when I got my stomach to be as thin as I had wanted I suddenly wanted it thinner. These goals were ones I would never achieve and I have this girl to thank for making me realise this

[o-tay]

Beautiful woman....beautiful message !

[dcookoo]

Beautiful girl with a beautiful message

[asmaumar]

I also won a speech on the topic " believe in yourself". it is really important

[Fatima-uplw]

Self love is so important and she's such a great role model for girls, humans everywhere. So inspiring. I love her!

[mamini]

"i can't get those years back of self-loathing..."

[camilanurul]

God she is amazing public speaker. I cried a little when she told about her experience in changing room, because I did experienced that and how I hated myself so much. You're totally my roll model iskra.

[charlietheuniquecorn]

In Polish, her name means "spark". And doesn't it suit her perfectly?

[hahahahhaha]

I had a food and nutrition class and one of the assignments was to go stand in front of a mirror, jump around, and see if anything bounces where it's not "supposed" to.... no body did it because they were either ashamed or thought it was a compete waist of time. We were 15 years old and that is honestly so irresponsible to tell children skinny is healthy.

[StayBeYOUtiful]

For those of you criticizing her for being a model or wondering her credibility, her credibility lies in her popularity as an Aerie model with a curvier body. Personally, I think it's an important conversation to have and she is a great candidate to enforce the one sided media image we are shown because she represents a strong, athletic, woman's body. She's young and beautiful, but understands her popularity and decided to do something with it, which is commendable. As a person who has struggle with body image and eating disorders, I applaud that she encourages working out, eating healthy, and self-care. I don't think the point of body positivity is to encourage obesity, but to say that you need to love yourself no matter where your body is. After all, hating yourself, if you are obese, is most likely not going to lead to healthy weight loss. We need women to value their bodies and feel beautiful. We need men and women to feel this way. Underweight/overweight people need to love themselves or they will never reach a healthy weight. It's about enjoying life.

[beigelover]

She is me in the future, on TED. my current struggles will help me inspire and change the lives of others!

[MohamedElgallad]

Her mind is as beautiful as her image
Really amazing video

[natashaj]

She is a great public speaker! Iskra is my idol, whenever I need to feel inspired, I watch one of her videos :)

[baronvonblueeyes]

I think this is why I admire this woman so much. Notice how in her speech it's not just all about women's body issues...she also includes boys and men. Almost every plus sized female model who does interviews or speeches, totally ignores men's issues and only focuses on females. Like she said, we got guys killing themselves down at the gym lifting heavy weights and abusing roids. It's true, and I have witnessed this first hand. What a truly beautiful person Iskra Lawrence is.

[muniekitoixta]

Inspirational and heartbreaking. We all are perfect, and there is always someone that will love us just the way we are.

[jkjqu]

What a sweetheart, she is beautiful and managed to normalize this conversation for both men and women. What a blessed conversation and absolutely on point for everyone!

[Najo]

I loved when she mentioned the butt pads and the camera man caught her from a different angle that shows her butt haha, she's literally an inspiration for me, I really want to be like her, you feel her kindnesses and humbleness through the screen.. I love you so much iskra and I'm so proud of you !! ❤❤

[yasirjaved]

Whoever is reading this, you are beautiful

[alexandrauzikova]

Iskra in Slovakian language means Spark :)