As women, we’re constantly bombarded with messages that our worth comes from the way we look. “You won’t get far in life if you’re not beautiful, but don’t be too beautiful or you won’t be taken seriously. The less space you take up in a room, the better. Skinny, skinny, skinny.” It’s a message that’s been seeping into our veins since we were born. Honestly, it’s hard to get out of our heads.
When Life Gets Heavy, Our Bodies Adapt
But with age, comes more experiences. At this point in our lives, we know life is not easy, and with every new year, changes in our lives are constantly taking place. Sometimes these changes are circumstantial phases that bring unplanned weight gain. Maybe it’s dealing with grief, crippling depression, injury, a medical illness, hormone changes, or postpartum recovery. Life is never linear, and with situations like these, our bodies can really go through the wringer. When our bodies change in ways we don’t like, our thoughts tend to become more negative about ourselves, and when you stop to think about it, it’s really not fair. Dealing with any of the problems previously mentioned is a lot to go through on their own. Getting through it is where our minds should be, not on “getting through it and staying thin.” Life is HARD. Your body tends to fluctuate and adapt to each new curveball life throws at you, so cut yourself some slack! Your body is just trying to support you the best it can. Our bodies deserve a bit more grace and a lot more gratitude for carrying us through this tumultuous ride that is life.
I recently talked to a friend who told me she almost missed out on a photoshoot because she felt so self-conscious about her body weight (she just had a baby). She started spiraling a few minutes before they were supposed to do the shoot and she really didn’t want to participate. Thankfully she got the courage to go, and the photos turned out absolutely beautiful! I know she’s not the only one who has been in this type of situation! We’ve probably all been there at some point. How sad that we let our body weight keep us from fun activities because we are worried about what others will think of us. It breaks my heart for each and every one of us.
Recognizing How Your Body Supports You
Healing this part of ourselves is definitely possible, but it’s absolutely not a walk in the park. You don’t have to stand in front of a mirror completely naked and tell yourself you love all your flaws (you can, and by all means if that works for you, absolutely do it!). Instead, the next time you feel self-conscious about your body, try thinking along the lines of how your body is supporting you at the moment. Something like, “That workout was tough, but not as tough as I thought it would be, wow, I can feel my body getting stronger!” or “I didn’t sleep well last night, but somehow I am not feeling completely dead at the moment. I’m so thankful my body can adapt and power through today.” or even something just as simple as, “My body is healthy and allows me to live a normal life. I can easily go to the grocery store, cook dinner, or go for a walk. There are lots of people out there who don’t have that luxury. My body is amazing!” Think about all the wonderful things your body does for you, day in and day out! There are MILLIONS of things it does that we don’t even realize – our bodies are absolutely incredible!
If we catch ourselves in the midst of talking negatively to ourselves, and instead redirect that focus onto all the wonderful things our body does for us, we can inch our way forward to really appreciating and loving our bodies. Over time, that shift will hopefully start to expand our perception of ourselves and help us move toward a more positive outlook on our bodies.
Grant Yourself Grace
For those of you struggling right now with body-weight issues, especially if you’re in a current situation that you have no control over, I see you. I understand how hard it can feel. You’re going to get through this phase, just like you have every other time. Give yourself grace. You are fighting through something hard right now, and that deserves your energy and recognition of how strong you really are.
Remember, your body isn’t the enemy standing in your way. Joy isn’t something you have to earn by becoming thinner. Joy is something you are completely worthy of experiencing right now, just as you are. Don’t miss out on all that life has to offer – the memories to be made, the new experiences, the aching belly laughs or spontaneous ice cream runs – just because you’re worried someone will judge you for your weight. It’s not worth it. I know it’s easier said than done, but you are stronger than you think. Put their judgment aside and let yourself fully feel alive! Claim the exciting, fulfilling life you deserve. It’s waiting for you.
