(Because you just might need a few more reasons.)
1. You don’t have an accurate picture of yourself. Research shows that women tend to see themselves as being one to two sizes larger than they actually are. (Men see themselves as thinner and in better shape than they really are…go figure.) Research also shows that photographs DO add weight and can distort what we really look like, so don’t look at a photo as “evidence” of your true appearance. And don’t completely trust the picture in your head, either. I sit with women of all ages, every day who have a completely distorted view of themselves. It doesn’t matter what age…they see themselves as heavier and less attractive than they really are. You’re not alone, and you’re also not entirely accurate.
2. “I wish I was as thin now as I was when I thought I was fat.” I have heard this so many times from my girlfriends and clients. They’ll say “I look back at myself when I was younger…I was so thin but I thought I was fat.” We just can’t seem to accept ourselves as the lovely creatures we are. There is so much external and internal pressure to be “perfect” that we can’t actually see our unique beauty. Here’s some reality: you might currently be the best shape and weight you will ever be. Embrace it.
3. You don’t want dieting to be your biggest regret. My sweet mother-in-law passed away a few years ago at the age of 89. I can’t think of any woman I loved and admired more than her. I had the privilege of sitting with her in her last days where she shared that constant dieting was her biggest regret. We waste so much time being dissatisfied with and even hating our bodies. When we make a conscious decision to truly love and care for our bodies, something significant begins to shift inside us. Our bodies are not our enemies. Don’t spend your entire, precious life hating yours.
4. How’s that “when I…” working out for you, anyway? As women we tend not to live in the present. We say, “when I lose 10 pounds, I’ll be happier.” “When I get fit I’ll want to have sex with my husband, buy cute clothes, run a marathon, pursue my passions.” Sure, maybe. But what if you decided to do all those things WITHOUT losing 10 pounds or slaving away at the gym? Really, what would happen? I’ll tell you what would happen…you’d definitely be happier. You’d certainly be having more sex with your husband, wearing cuter clothes, training for a marathon and pursuing your passions. All without shedding a pound! Do you see how crazy, limiting and unhelpful the “When I…” mantra is?
5. Your legacy. I believe those of us that are mothers of daughters, aunts of nieces and mentors of young girls have a very important responsibility to model self acceptance, courage and empowerment. I want my daughters, granddaughters and nieces to remember me as one who shared my passions, entered bravely into the world and made a difference in people’s lives. My legacy will have nothing to do with what I weighed, what size clothes I wore, or what I looked like – and yours won’t either. The most important gift we can give the world is US…pure and simple. The more I embrace myself, flaws and all, changing body and all, the more I can be an example to others to do the same. You aren’t the shape or weight of your body. Your legacy is so much more.
Dee Dee! These are fabulous and beautifully distilled thoughts, thank you so much for sharing them! You are quite a gift lady.