Beautiful Isn’t A Size…How to Love the Skin You’re In
By: Kelly Schur & Ally Ponte
It’s January. Chances are you have already been bombarded with hundreds of programs, products, and articles advertising how to lose weight and get in shape. Research shows that most people experience some form of body dissatisfaction in their lifetime. From an early age, we are inundated with ideas of what the “perfect body” should look like. According to the National Organization for Women Foundation, by the time girls reach the age of seventeen, 78% are unhappy with their bodies. Though not exclusive to women, this teenage trend continues well into adulthood with yearly peaks around the holiday season.
In fact, polls indicate that 95% of people make New Year resolutions related to fitness, exercise and/or diet. If this is you…you are not alone. The dangerous cocktail of societal pressure with a splash of starry-eyed goals can perpetuate unrealistic expectations and standards of body image and body type.
So, how exactly do you learn to put your blinders on and start loving your body? Here are 5 small ways to start celebrating the skin you’re in.
5. Understand what your body does for you.
Taking time to learn about your body will give you a greater appreciation for what it does for you. You have one body in your entire lifetime. It is the vehicle which allows you to live. And for those that choose motherhood, it is a vehicle of life for others. Discover the complexity of the orchestra of systems that are in place to keep germs at bay, keep your heart pumping and food digesting. Find out how your muscles move and your bones regenerate. Knowledge is powerful. *Body positive affirmation: I am grateful that my body is a highly sophisticated machine allowing me to live life, go places and have new experiences.
4. Celebrate your body’s many purposes
Aside from your physical being, you are a relational being to someone. This interconnectedness makes you uniquely purposeful and important. Your meaningful role as a friend, sister, daughter, aunt, mother, cousin, co-worker, etc is part of how you define yourself and how you are defined. Your physical body’s presence has a significant meaning to someone in your community and societal circle. *Body positive affirmation: I am thankful to be somebody’s somebody.
3. Seek beauty from within. Daily.
Taking control of the external images and messages that inhabit your brain takes tremendous willpower and discipline. Choose who/what you focus on in order to cleanse the need to constantly compare yourself with anyone else. Your internal dialog can empower or destroy this process. This small but mighty habit allows you to stay focused and surround yourself with positive messaging. You are on your own unique beautiful journey. *Body positive affirmation: My body is a miracle and deserves immense love, respect, care and kindness.
2. Nurture your body and feed your mind
In many cases, when you feel unhappy with how you look, you often feel unhappy with yourself as a whole. How you treat yourself and your body is a reflection of your mindset. Treating your body well makes the biggest impact on how you feel. When you do something that makes you feel good about yourself, your mind associates that action with a positive feeling. Dare to develop habits that will allow you to have a joyous relationship with yourself. Find pleasure in getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and incorporating daily movement. *Body positive affirmation: I am thankful for my body, and empowered to make healthy changes to take care of my body, mind and soul.
1. Cultivate gratitude
You may have heard the quote “We can not shame ourselves into change, we can only love ourselves into evolution.” This powerful quote embodies the weight gratitude and self love plays in your journey to body positivity. Daily gratitude can begin to manifest feelings of grace, peace, respect and appreciation for your body. Try to be thankful for all it does for you, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable. Guard the door to a negative mindset, and begin the process of swapping negative self-talk with a neutral or positive compliment. *Body positive affirmation: My body cares for me and I feel good when I take care of it. I am letting go of anything that comes in my way of good health.
The key to moving forward is to make a conscious and intentional effort to take care of your whole self. It’s important to note that shifting your mindset may not happen overnight, but small gradual changes can help you manage your internal actions so you are equipped and empowered for essential and extraordinary self love.
Experience a new way to wellness and self-care. All are welcome. ExperienceVibeFitness.com
Published Content: Forsyth Neighbor Magazine | January 2022 Edition
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