Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Getting past negative body image!

The other day I was at the gym enjoying a zumba class (have you tried it? It's insanely fun and I'm a maniac out there!) and noticed a cute woman behind me. During our water break, I leaned over to her and we have the following conversation:

Me: "Isn't this class great?"
Her: "Yes!"
Me: "Love your top!"
Her: "Uh, it's to cover my fat stomach."
Me: speechless....



That really bummed me out. So much so, that I thought it was time to write a post about women and our body image issues.

Don't get me wrong, I don't always wake up and feel awesome about the way I look, but I do feel really really good about my overall health, my attitude about that and my ability to accept a compliment. It's taken years to get to this point, but I can tell you I'd never negate someone who takes the time to give me a compliment, especially about my shape.

I've often looked at the women in my life and thought, "I wonder if they realize how beautiful they really are?" and can almost guarantee that your friends, family, spouse, kids are not NEARLY as critical about the way you look as you are. You are your own worst enemy because the people who love you would never think the way you do.

Why do we waste so much energy on this?

I'm built like my dad. Long legs, mostly toned and a soft middle. I also have had babies and both were delivered by c-section, so obsessing about a flat stomach is a complete WASTE OF TIME! Anyhow, the last thing I need is for my pre-teen daughter to see me frowning at myself in the mirror or stepping on a scale. Instead I've shifted my focus on what I DO like about my body.

It's so empowering to stop wasting energy on feeling badly about your body. Life is so short!

Let me end with saying that there is nothing NOTHING more appealing about a woman than great self esteem and confidence. And that doesn't come with a number on a scale or a shirt at the gym fitting you just right. It comes from within :)


My challenge for you: The next time someone compliments you, smile and say, "Thank you!"

1 comment:

Debra Bloom said...

Well said, beautiful lady! I am passing along this post to a friend who works in a weight management clinic for her to share with her clients. Too many women are locked in this battle with themselves!