Slim Down, Pin Up - Getting Your Mind Right

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

Slim Down, Pin Up!

At the suggestion of some of my lovely readers (Thank you, Jennifer Dolph, for the adorable page name ;)  I have created a page on facebook to develop a warm and supportive group of like minded folks in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.

Gil Elvgren

The page is called Slim Down, Pin Up! and I would be delighted if you would like to join us!  We will be sharing our knowledge with each other, offering up delicious, healthy recipes, exercise and work out suggestions in addition to some positive reinforcement ;-)

Lest you should all worry about the direction of this blog..I will be continuing with my regular vintage/craft/style themed posts here as well, with an update or two along the way about my healthy lifestyle journey (and my quest to fit into my bridesmaid's dress ;)

Thanks for joining me on my latest adventure!

Hugs and Smooches,
D