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It's no secret that women in modern society are believed to be in constant need of improvement. It's the result of many factors rooted deeply in our lives. The idea of "looking good" is communicated through slogans such as "because you're worth it," which is not really what self-love is all about.

What women are really worth is to feel good the way they are. With or without makeup, skinny or curvy, shaven or hairy, etc. That's what Cécile Dormeau, an artist based in France, tries to tell us. With her colorful illustrations, she confronts restraining stereotypes and inspires many women around the world to love themselves just as they are.

The artist has previously shared with Bored Panda that she likes to show that it's completely normal to not feel great all the time or to have body 'imperfections'. "We all face problems, and sometimes our lives don't fit what society expects from us. There is not only one way to be or live your life. I like to celebrate imperfection and try to be as authentic as I can."

More info: Instagram | ceciledormeau.com | youtube.com

Bored Panda got in touch with the artist again to get to know a little bit more about her creative process and the thoughts behind her illustrations. Since Cecile's drawings are about celebrating "imperfections" and authenticity, we got curious whether she noticed some sort of change in the way our society perceives women. The artist answered that people on social media started to speak more and more about these topics, so media and advertising finally realized that some things needed to be changed.

"Of course, everything is not perfect as these topics became marketing tools, and can sound a bit empty or hypocritical sometimes. For example, a clothes brand speaking about inclusivity but not including all sizes in their clothing. Or the popularity of self-love sometimes became a bit oppressive and made some women feel guilty about themselves too. I guess it's all about balance, and noticing that self-worth isn't necessarily buying yourself a mask and candles but listening really to yourself and letting yourself live in peace."

Cécile revealed that she also feels the pressure to be perfect. "I guess we all feel it from time to time, and on very different topics (physically, professionally, with your relationships, etc), it's human! And it's also the world we live in. But what helps me is to know that these bad thoughts are just temporary if I focus on what is really important. For example, if I start to feel bad because my waxing is not perfect to go to the beach, I realize that enjoying taking a swim matters much more to me than caring if people are checking my leg hair."

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Artsy Bookworm
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate these quotes that are like Nothing is Impossible it makes me feel worse

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Jenn C
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can focus on the positive and still be depressed. This mindset turns into victim blaming, and makes the depressed person feel worse because you're not trying hard enough, or I have a good life so what do I have to be sad about. Sometimes depression happens because your brain isn't sending or recording certain chemicals correctly. It's okay to get help or medicine. It's no different than a diabetic taking insulin because his body doesn't produce it correctly.

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sinead
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for these. I went out dancing for my birthday ( I'm in my 40's ) my friend told me that I was " out of control". Apparently when you get older you are an embarrassment if you dance and have fun. I'm at home with my parakeet now. What she said made me feel horrible.

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Tamra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Listen, some day you will be too tired, too achy, or just too old to dance. But you aren't now. I say dance every damn opportunity you get, and enjoy every second. Don't let someone else's misguided judgment keep you from doing things you enjoy, because that is actually something you may regret some day. But you won't regret the dancing. ☺️

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Azolane
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, like my ex who tried to push his positivity on me when my depression was at its worse. "If you think positive, positive things come to you". Fk that with a passion.

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Lily Francis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was partially right, but were you getting treatment as well? It's attitude, and treatment in combination and it takes time to figure out the right combination. But attitude is a big part of it. You really have to force yourself. I'm a former medical and mental health professional and then I suffered a breakdown and it was really hard even though I knew how to treat it, being able to actually do it was something different entirely! I hit rock bottom before I saw any light. I really had to push myself because I didn't see hope. But it's there!

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Display Name
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can I just-*grabs flamethrower** ***burns signs**** dats better *****hugs******🥰

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Sunny Topia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fr tho... positive vibes doesn't work on me... I need negative vibes... I need to hit my lowest core to become a diamond... when I see positive vibes, I feels like I want to be more worst than before. 🤷‍♀️ idk why...

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April Morris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some days, you just have to let the pain of life run down your face like rain so that the next day can be sunny. I really felt this one deep.

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Rachel Gerstner
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree, positive thoughts can't stop intrusive thoughts and depression

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Lilia Loewenberg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think people are brainwashed into thinking that all this affirmation c**p actually makes anything better.

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Christy A Kyriss
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Above is a picture of Toxic Positivity that emotionally poisons us.

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Zoltan Kovacs
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is sad when you need posters instead of peaple saying you things like "I am proud of you!" "I belive in you!" "You are beautiful!" and stuff like that. Real killer.

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Aamna Shah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep seeing these 'positivity is a choice' and 'your happiness is your responsibility' quotes. The intent behind them might not be harmful but it's really ignorant and patronising to tell people that their depression is a choice and you can snap out of it at any moment they choose or the misplaced belief that overly independent people thrust on the rest of society that happiness exists only in your mind and external factors have little to no contribution. Some of the healthiest and happiest regions in the world prioritise human relationships and not this 'only you are solely responsible for your happiness' jargon that we find in mainstream pop culture today. They prioritise kindness and generosity. They prioritise individual freedom as well as the betterment of community in an intricate balance. This superimposed positivity is not real nor sustainable for most people.

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Alana Voeks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Toxic positivity is a thing. If you have all these stupid signs up, but notice you're still depressed or even get angry, you aren't facing your issue. You don't HAVE to be happy all the time, but you should be able to traverse your feelings.

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Alya
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only 1/2 of those are toxic positivity. Not all positivity is toxic... I see this more like, those things are all okay (other than saying positive vibes only and positivity is a choice) but it's also okay for there to be times when you hurt and are okay with being hurt. But encouraging a positive outlook is a good idea, so long as you don't didcourage someone when they're not feeling positive by acting like it's their fault for not trying hard enough

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Alya
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But saying positive affirmations to yourself is never a bad thing, even if you don't believe it at first it doesn't do you damage to remind yourself that you ARE strong

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Lizzy Abbey (she/they)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love Live laugh love

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Darian Starfrog
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We try..it's ok..you WILL get there..with a little faith in oneself..

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melanie crawford
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to give her a hug. I have been there. Fake it until you make it, including happiness

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Melissa Piner
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the "positivity is a choice" sign. It IS a choice, and my choice is no

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Lily Francis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited)

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It's all about your attitude, you choose. I know all about depression and anxiety but you can find ways to combat them. It definitely isn't easy but it can be done, I know because I've been in the darkest pits and never thought I'd see the light of day ever again but I did! Because I refused to give up. I chose to fight back and change my attitude and not care what anyone else thinks! Only me, what I think is the only thing that matters. I don't care what anyone else thinks! I don't mean to be rude but it's my life! I'll live it my way! And I don't give up EVER! I may have to adapt how I do things but I get them done my way. People will just have to deal with it. Everyone needs to learn how to be flexible because no one is perfect and we all have problems we have to deal with and we all have insecurities too. So let them go and don't worry so much because we're all dealing with similar issues even the people we see as perfect. They often have more insecurities than most of us. Stop worrying.

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"When I torture myself because I think my illustrations are not good enough and I'm not posting enough on Instagram, I remind myself that the most important is that I draw, and it doesn't matter if it looks like crap sometimes and that it's totally ok to take breaks.

Perfect people are boring, and we are most of the time more moved by authentic people, so I guess we should apply this to ourselves too. Simply accept what we are at this moment in our imperfections, and remember that it's totally ok to make mistakes and to move at our own rhythm."

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Red
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Food poison. Common enough and people will rarely ask for proof.

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We asked what makes Cécile passionate about creating illustrations. She replied that she is just happy to put all the crazy ideas she has in mind in her doodles, and try to put some fun in her insecurities! "The main message I have for people is 'you're not alone'. I just hope my work can make them smile about themselves."

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WordWeaver
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just be yourself and don't give a rat's a**e about what other people say. It's just so wrong the wy we women are acculturated to internalise so much self criticism.

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At the moment, Cécile is working on a children's book and an illustration series about couples. She shared that she might start illustration series about men as well so if you're curious, follow Cécile on her Instagram!

Cécile's works have been previously featured on Bored Panda and you can find them by clicking herehere and here

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Scourge McCloud
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My arms look hairless in a lot of different light sources, you have look really close and have me hold my arm at an angle to see them. They're extremely light blonde, almost borderline white. I was born blonde, but only the hair on top of my head changed.

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Zara VP
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't shave my legs when I went to the pool the other day. Guess what...no one cared nor noticed! Sometimes it can be all in your head- you are your own worst enemy.

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Lee
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's impossible for me to do so. My own mother told me that I had to justify my existence. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to tell her that she should justify having me first.

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Ambry Petersen
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm both a book worm and someone who likes writing stories, ask me to visualize clouds and I will be lost in whatever story the inspire for a long long time.

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Autistic apricot
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the cry juice (I hate the other word, sorry) is cutting through the boot

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