Even if you are dissatisfied with some aspects of your body, you have great value as a human being apart from your physical self. Your thoughts, your feelings, your actions, these all make up that unique self that is 'you.'
And if you have a 'hate hate' relationship with your body, then it is the time to start making amends. Stop body shaming yourself, and accept yourself for who you are (and trust me, I see body shaming everywhere I go, daily, day by day. It's a sad World we live in at the moment).
And I know in a world full of unreal images, poor guidances, fake appearances everywhere you look - it's hard to get connected to yourself and tune to your body. That's what I understand totally. However, it is up to you and you only if this is going to get changed or you are going to follow these 'empty guidances'. Yes. If only, you wish to be 'you again.' Life is not about unicorns and butterflies only but we have to face our fears and start learning about ourselves. Until then, you are just hiding under the mask, pretending to be something you are not. But you want to hear my advise? Then keep reading;
1. Positive daily affirmations are crucial
Use affirmations instead of negative self-talk. Quiet that little voice in your head that tells you that you are too fat or thin, tall or short, big or small breasted, or any of the other ways in which you may echo the insults of the person who abused you. Replace these negative messages with affirmations focusing on what you like about yourself. Look in the mirror and say it out loud. I have strong arms, I have soulful eyes, I have a belly that carried a child and has the scars to prove it. Whatever you notice, just notice what is good and right about your body. Daily. Without any further excuse. Start to love your body. Start to love your presence.
2. Know that body positivity is a time-consuming process
There is no denying the fact that people change. But they don’t change overnight. So, after years of disliking what you see when you look at yourself in the mirror, you can’t expect to suddenly start appreciating your body post reading this. While you wait for the acceptance to grow over time, how about simply being neutral before becoming positive towards our body? For instance, try saying 'this dress doesn’t make me feel my confident best' instead of 'I look fat and ugly in this dress'. Do you get it?
3. Exercise no matter what
The reason behind this isn’t to pressure yourself to achieve the kind of body you so admire. The logic is rather simple. Exercising or indulging in a physical activity doesn’t just keep you distracted, but also releases the happy hormones in your body called endorphins. This, in turn, can uplift your mood and make you feel good about yourself.
4. Understand the difference between unhealthy and unappealing
Please, you need to understand that being body positive doesn’t mean allowing yourself to accept an unhealthy body. Beyond the scope of health risks and obesity, if there’s anything about your body that you don’t find 'aesthetic', you’ve got to work on accepting it and not on being okay with being unhealthy. Again, no excuse!!
5. There’s more to life than your looks ok?
The idea is to start making deeper connections that are beyond the superficiality of looks. Sure, being around fitness conscious people can inspire you to work towards your health, but if the healthy ones are mean to you, kick their toxicity out of their lives. Always!! Choices above all!!
6. Build a positive relationship with your food
Do never take food for granted. Food should not be your comfort zone, never!! Try to find foods that you like which are also good for you. Savor them slowly. You are in charge of your relationship with food and your body now. Celebrate that freedom. Learn from it. Accept the journey, The change. The freedom in all aspect of your life!
And remember, you are more than just your body. Appreciate it, start to love yourself and you shall love others too. And, for once, stop body shaming yourself!!!
It's not always easy, but in the end it's worth it. Think about. Then make a plan and go after that plan. Today is the day you start making small changes. Step by step. It does not come overnight.
I believe in you.
Until next time, S.
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