A TikTok video has recently gone viral, sparking widespread discussion about body positivity. This video challenges the traditional beauty standards and underscores the essential notion of being comfortable in one’s own skin.
In the spotlight is Gillian, a self-assured woman who proudly identifies as plus-size. She uses fashion as a means of expressing her individuality and celebrates her body with flair.
“I’m a fatty and wear what I want in my pool. I don’t care if it makes my neighbors uncomfortable,” she declared in an interview. Her video boldly bears the title: “What I wear in my pool that makes my neighbor feel uncomfortable.”
In the video, Gillian, known as @spanxbeluga, demonstrates her fearless approach to poolside fashion, playfully transitioning from a lively orange summer dress to a light blue bikini.
Despite frequently facing criticism for her fashion choices, Gillian stands firm in her belief that everyone deserves the liberty to express themselves through their attire, irrespective of others’ judgments.
When confronted with comments about modesty, one individual noted that modesty seemed old-fashioned. Gillian humorously countered that it should have become obsolete long ago.
Her video has also garnered a wave of positive feedback. Many viewers commend her confidence and suggest that her neighbor’s disapproval may be rooted in envy.
Gillian clarifies her intentions, stating that making others uncomfortable is not her objective. Nevertheless, she insists on her right to wear clothes that bring her joy and confidence.
“It is not my goal to make people uncomfortable. People are uncomfortable because I wear what I want, and I’m a bigger person,” she explained. “It’s not on me. I’m not going to cover up. I’m just not gonna cover up for anyone. That’s not who I am. I’m not going to feel bad about how I look,” she added.
She emphasizes her happiness and self-acceptance, asserting, “I’m comfortable in my own skin, and I wear what I want to wear. Clothing is a form of expression, and I want to wear what I like, and that’s just what I do. And society isn’t going to tell me not to.”
What’s your take on Gillian’s video and her message about body positivity? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
A 13-year-old builds his own mini-house in his backyard, look inside and be impressed
Most middle schoolers probably have other things on their minds besides building houses.
But Luke Thill, a 13-year-old from Dubuque, Iowa, is unlike any other middle schooler you’ve seen before.
This talented and proactive boy has crafted his very own little house — in his parent’s backyard.
The project cost him roughly $1,500 USD — and now Luke is living his dream in his little cottage.
Come on in and have a look at what it looks like inside.
I think it’s safe to say that Luke is not like many of his 13-year-old peers. In a time of iPads, smartphones, gadgets, and X-Boxes, this young man decided to keep himself busy in a different and more ‘old-fashioned’ way. As he explains on his YouTube channel, his desire to build a small house grew out of feeling bored last summer.
After some thorough research, Luke had a pretty good idea of how he was going to put his plan into action.
The Process
It took him about a year to get the money and materials he needed to build the house. Luke mowed lawns, started a fund-raiser online, and ran errands for anyone who needed help in the neighborhood to make money.
An electrician Luke was friends with helped him install the electricity in exchange for Luke cleaning his garage out, for instance.
Luke used about 75 percent recycled material, many of which were things left over from his grandma’s house. The front door of the house was a gift from an uncle’s friend.
The 89-square-foot house is 10 feet long and 5 1/2 feet wide, with electricity but no plumbing, so no water or bathroom… yet.
“I liked the minimalism,” he told The Des Moines Register. “And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”
Luke has made several video clips and posted them online, where he talks about his project as many have grown curious about the little house.
As you can imagine, Luke also received some help from his parents, both financially and with the building itself.
But dad Greg made sure that it would be Luke himself who would pay for most of his project and also build most of it himself.
“It was a chance for a kid to do something more than play video games or sports,” Greg told The Des Moines Register. “It teaches life lessons.”
Teenager’s Dream
The house is in many ways a teenager’s dream, an oasis where you can chill and hang out in. It has a microwave, a TV, and a loft with a bed.
There’s even a barbecue and flowers at the back.
Luke usually does his homework after school at his new house and some nights during the week he gets to sleep there.
Luke already has aspirations to build another house — one that’s a little bigger for when he starts college. He also hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams:
“I want to show kids it’s possible to build at this age,” he says in one of his videos.
You can really see how proud he is about his project below.
Luke’s story is a great example of what a child can achieve with a clear goal, a strong worth ethic, and support from home.
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