A mum went viral after she “declared war” on the voices in her head that told her that her “bikini is brave”.
Riona O’Connor – known for her quick wit and side-splitting videos – shared the important and uplifting message with her 510,000 followers.
The 43-year-old from Ireland, who currently lives in London, attracted 2.1m views with her video, where she filmed herself in a pink bikini.
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In the clip, the comedian addressed body positivity with the fun play on words that she is known for.
Riona, who has had two children delivered through C-sections, revealed that she sometimes has an inner dialogue, referring to her negative thoughts as “gremlins”.
“I have declared war – now not on low-fat jam or the patriarchy, although honestly, they’re on the list,” she said.
“But on the gremlins that live rent-free in my brain, muttering things like ‘Bikini’s brave babe’.
“Now look, my belly used to be flat, but since having kids, she’s burst onto the battlefield like Gandalf at Helm’s Deep boom.
“She’s not subtle, my belly, she doesn’t sneak into a room.
“She arrives early before the rest of me has a chance to catch up.”
Riona recognised that she doesn’t need to feel this way, and that the only person “giving a damn” about her belly is her.
She added: “I’ve spent so many summers standing sideways in the mirror sucking in air like a Dyson trying to convince myself that a flat tummy didn’t matter.
“While the world media stood behind me with a megaphone screaming, ‘You need abs or you’re irrelevant love’ – and for what?
“For whom?
“The only person giving a damn about my belly at the beach is me and maybe a few crabs looking for shelter.”
Riona has been sharing swimwear content online since summer began to encourage others to embrace their bodies.
Speaking to What’s The Jam, she said: “IIf I listened to the thoughts in my brain I would never leave my house in anything other than a black sack.
“I have learned that if my thoughts beat me down, I don’t have to listen to them – they are just thoughts, not facts.
“In the same way I would an online troll, I block my internal trolls just as ruthlessly.
“Sometimes however, they’re mutant trolls and it takes a monumental effort to beat them down, it can be relentless and exhausting but ultimately worth the battle.”
In her viral clip, Riona referred to her body as being “decorated” – a statement that particularly resonated with viewers.
She added: “She’s not broken, she’s decorated.
“So yes, my belly has entered the fray front and centre, bigger than ever, and this time she’s not backing down or retreating.
“She’s rebranding as a diva with a range from stretch marks to sass, and a nice little shelf for a Margarita.”
Viewers have come out in droves to share their thoughts.
Rebecca said: “She’s decorated – that made me for a moment there, as it’s so blooming perfect. What a wonderful thing that everyone should be thinking and saying. Love this, and you.”
Joanne said: “Brilliant! Love that Dublin accent too.”
“Long live the revolution,” added Orla.
Clair said, “You are the gold medal gymnast of words.”
“Absolutely LOVE this. Yessss. Some days, I might believe it for myself. Keep going,” Jennifer added. [sic]
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