The Becoming Initiative:
The heart of Body Beyond Beauty is the Becoming Journal. Each mini Recovery Kit includes a journal plus tools to personalize it (markers, pens, stickers) and handwritten encouragement notes from volunteers. These kits help teens reflect, recover, and reconnect with their identity beyond appearance
Why It Exists
In aesthetic sports, athletes are taught to monitor, critique, and control their bodies as part of success.
This constant evaluation can lead to:
- body image distress
- disordered eating
- shame around seeking help
- loss of identity beyond appearance or performance
Research shows that reflective writing and identity-based prompts can reduce emotional distress, lower shame, and support recovery by helping individuals externalize harmful thoughts and reconnect with themselves beyond appearance.
3 Teams
Reflect Team
Builds and distributes journal systems
- journal kits
- prompt creation
- reflection worksheets
- design/layout
Community Team
Runs connection-based programming
- reflection circles
- peer sessions
- school chapters
- participant engagement
Outreach Team
Runs external impact + partnerships
- presentations
- workshops
- outreach to schools/studios
- partnerships
Call to Action
If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or identity in performance-based spaces, please consider reaching out for support from a qualified professional.