Self-Loathing…Self-Loving
We can be (and often are) our own worst critic. We have a way of finding fault in places where fault really doesn’t need to be found–yet we seek it out anyway. I can be incredibly critical of myself–pick myself apart into tiny little inadequate pieces. I do it to myself in lots of ways and am working on fixing that part of me. Beachbody has done wonders for helping me through this.
Working out to programs like P90X, Turbo Fire, Insanity, and soon to be P90X2 help me realize what I’m capable of. What my potential is. That I can do more than I thought I could. Those programs help me keep my nutrition on track and give me great ideas of how to eat better–in turn helping me look and feel better. Shakeology has been a HUGE time saver for me and allows me to eat regularly and gives me confidence in knowing that at least SOMETHING that’s going in my body is going to be good for me today. It’s an easy way for me to fuel myself and also helps me make better food choices at meal times–keeping my waist line smaller.
Keeping my waistline smaller is important to me. It’s my nemesis. It’s where the critic throws a party and stomps all over my psyche–doing the most damage. I have been struggling with my self-image my entire life. I do not see me the way others do. Well, I am working on that and will say that again in past tense…I didn’t see myself the same way others saw me. I saw the layer of fat on my midsection every time I saw my stomach. This meant I had to look past the 4-pack (almost 6-pack) in my abs–but somehow I managed to overlook where I was successful and leap right to where I’m currently working.
It got to where I would be so mean to myself. I couldn’t put on a pair of pants, a shirt, a swim suit, without being harsh and critical. This did great damage to an already wounded spirit. I’m going to share a tip that worked for me in hopes it helps you. Here it is.
My exercise for you…find ONE thing you like about your body. ONE. Could be your eyes, your smile, your pinky toe…just one thing that you don’t criticize or find fault with.
Every time you look in a mirror or see yourself naked, think of your favorite attribute. Smile. Find peace and joy in that one part of your body you like.
As the critical voice creeps in and you start to pick apart your mid section, your thighs, your rear end…stop that voice and go back to the one thing you really like. Smile. Find peace.
When someone pays you a compliment, quiet that voice that instantly speaks of your least favorite part. Say thank you to the person that complimented you and think of the one attribute you enjoy. Smile. Find peace.
Repeat until it becomes more natural for you to smile when you think of yourself. Over time, gradually add a second, third, fourth, 100th, attribute.
Stop seeking a “perfect” body. Your view of perfect might be skewed and unattainable. Love your body where it is today and try to make it the healthiest body you can–but love it while you’re on your journey. What matters most is how you see yourself and that, my friend, is completely in your control. Own it.
