II.
Go on, ditch it. Throw it back in the drawer and leave it alone for a day. Pick out something that has no padding, no moulded cups. Think ahead and plan an outfit that won't make you feel self conscious and activities that won't leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Padding can be both a small busted girls best friend, and her sworn enemy. At some point in bra making history there seemed to be an influx of designers and marketers that were convinced every bra for a small bust would have to contain padding, most of it non removable. I mean who wants to look like they have a small chest, right? Considering most girls start off with a small bust during puberty this sends an awful message. Apparently a small bust is something to be ashamed of, something we should disguise.
To shun your padded bras with moulded cups for a period of time, is to remember what your actual bust looks like when it's not being enhanced. I'm of the belief that years of wearing padded bras, and never taking a break, can warp your self image. A push up bra, in a sense, can become part of your anatomy. When you think about how an item of clothing is going to fit you, you think about your enhanced bust. When you're making plans to go out for an evening, and want to look "your best", you think about your enhanced bust. Hey, it even gets to a point when your spatial awareness includes your enhanced bust. You see what i'm getting at? Never once do you really stop to think about what you actually have.
It's so detrimental to confidence to be constantly comparing your natural self to a false enhanced version. Wearing a push up bra everyday is akin to wearing make-up every day. One day you just won't feel confident going without and not so long after that you'll start to genuinely prefer a false image (and yes, i've been in both situations. And whilst i enjoy my small bust for what it is now, i still can't stand my face without foundation and contouring).
So wear your padded bra and moulded cups as much as you want but take a day out here or there to actually appreciate, and remember, how your bust looks without. You might be surprised at how you feel towards it at the end of the day.
Other posts in this series:
*This "commandment" is only a suggestion and i in no way pass any judgement on those who chose to embrace different or contradictory behaviours. This is purely something that i, personally, find helpful towards being a more positive and confident person. These are all my own opinions and do not have any scientific weight behind them. I respect everyone's right to an opinion and understand that my own opinion should not apply to everyone else.