Whew, this topic resonates with me on so many levels. It’s not an easy breezy subject IMO, but it’s worth the conversation.
The comparison game is not one anyone wants to play, but I’ve pressed the start button many times. I’ve also been someone who heavily focused on others’ perceptions of my appearance. Judgement comes in all forms, but as a woman, scrutiny is always the perpetrator. She has this, she has that, she lacks this, she lacks that. I want this, if only I had that.
Body confidence always came in waves for me. It was either I was fighting a battle with my own thoughts or the comments from others. And in reality, the commentary always seems to stem from what we hear & see from today’s culture. Perhaps the root cause?
I think there will always be setbacks for me in this department, but I continue to do the work that combats the negative thoughts of body image, and slowly but surely my mentality has shifted for the better.
I stopped following social media accounts that did not align with my values. I wanted to see more pores, wrinkles, and imperfections, less airbrushing and ideologies that were just straight up unattainable.
I stopped weighing myself. My numbers have never stayed the same, and never will. It eludes to the idea that I’m defined by the scale and a number, and that just doesn’t sit right with me.
I blocked out the opinions of others. This is a hard one, but its the most necessary one. Take an opinion with a grain of salt. Opinions are a reflection on others. Accept yourself for who you are, and you’re leveling up.
Cooking became routine. I knew what I was putting into my system and honed in on optimizing my body to run it’s best. I began filling my plate with colorful veggies, sustainable meats and nutrient dense foods because it’s what my body deserves and what helps me feel good inside and out.
I exercised to my degree of comfortability. I treated my workouts not as a hassle, but as a way for me to have that extra kick of energy throughout the day and to boost those feel-good hormones. To have movement in my life. I didn’t overexert, but I pushed myself in a manner that was beneficial, not detrimental.
I stood up taller. It might sound funny, but it aids in confidence!
Do I still emotionally eat? Yes. Do I find myself criticizing myself for when I have extra bloat? Yes. What’s most important is how I define these moments and how I respond to them.
Our bodies are our temples to be grateful for. When we begin to love every curve, every dimple, every strain of hair on our bodies, it’s empowering. It’s the beginning of a new freedom.
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