There are two schools of thought when it comes to weight loss. Get Thin, or Get Healthy. To my mind, the former tends to be a product of society. As the mother of a 13 year old girl, I see this in action every day. Just this morning, I was asked what "shape" she was..athletic, curvy, petite, etc., so she could figure out what clothes she was "supposed" to wear. I told her to wear the clothes that made her feel happy.
Sometimes she compares herself to her friends, and sometimes she compares herself to Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez. My response is always the same. You are beautiful because you are unique. Your shape is exactly as you were meant to be. Magazines and movie stars are great for inspiring fashion ideas and sparking your creativity, but they are not, and should not, be the final word on how to be yourself.
This is not to say I don't encourage healthy eating or athletics, but I don't want to her to think of them as a means to shape herself into the mold that society approves of. I want her to feel strong, empowered and good about herself.
Being a mother has helped me to develop a healthier mindset about my own weight. I can't tell my girls one thing and practice another..and all joking aside, while fitting into my bridesmaid dress is an excellent motivator for getting my butt out the door and running, my real motivator is that I suffer from an anxiety disorder that can be significantly reduced by a more active lifestyle. I want to feel great, to have more energy, to be around longer for my kids...not to look like a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model. Because that's not who I am.
Sure, I have off days, but in the grand scheme of things, I simply want to be the best me possible. For myself and for my loved ones. My wish for you all is that you can love just how wonderful and unique you are right now and enjoy the journey without worrying about the end result.
Hugs and Smooches,
D
Hi Danielle, I completely agree and you've inspired me to get on the Get Healthy bandwagon. Have had a few health issues lately but its time to stop making excuses and get myself back to the person I loved just a few short months ago! I hear what you're saying about the mental health benefits if exercise too. Thank you for being an inspiration, I'm thinking of you as I puff through yoga!
ReplyDeleteBravo! Yoga is a wonderful thing ;-)
DeleteI'll have to do a post on how I came to love and accept my short, athletic little legs. It's a very cute story.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read it! Please share a link if you decide to post it :)
DeleteI did the same thing when I was thirteen. I was never skinny, always plump. But that was me and I was perfectly fine. We just need to take care of ourselves and be the best that God has made us to be. None of us are alike, so we shouldn't try transform ourselves into something we're not.
ReplyDelete