Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The Body Image Issue

As I write more and get happier with my body more, I'm sure I'll write about this more.

The bottom line is, regardless of the fact that this body has given birth to two amazing babies, works hard everyday, helped open an incredible school, has run many races including a half marathon, takes care of a house, cooks healthy food for her family (almost) everyday, takes walks with the family regularly, was a gymnast and softball player - and a pretty good one at that....regardless of all of that, I will never forget the HURTFUL things people said to me when I was younger.

Nobody says them now.

In fact, I get a lot more compliments than anything else.

However, when I have days that I struggle to exercise or make a bad order while I'm eating out, my mind goes back to those mean and thoughtless people.

They have power over me. That is a power that I am going to conquer - even if I am peering at 35 off yonder in the distance. If I'm going to raise my children to love themselves, I really need to figure out how to love myself too.

Thank you, Carla, for your post today. It hit home in more ways than you'll ever know. :)

2 comments:

  1. It is incredibly important to overcome the past. It will do wonders for your present and your future. Hope things work out great for you!

    -Denise

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  2. I, too, have really struggled for a long time with trying to present an image of self-love for my girls to emulate. My mom has always said to "fake it 'til you make it" and I have found that when it comes to learning to love your body, it works. I have talked to myself frequently about how strong and healthy I am, regardless of not being a size 4 or 2. I told myself it was more important to feel a certain way than look it. Somewhere along the way, I started believing it.

    Reading this post reminded me of the Eleanor Roosevelt quote: No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. You can conquer it.

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