Day 5 of the #loveyourbodychallenge from Molly Galbraith of GirlsGoneStrong.
Reason #5 to Love My Body: Because It's Beautiful
My family is going to Phoenix to visit family in two weeks. Beautiful, sunny, WARM Phoenix. I'm excited to see friends and family and definitely excited to bask in the warm glow of the sun after our polar vortex winter here in Ohio. Know what warm weather means to me?? SHORTS!! And, thinking ahead, I reminded my two girls to check to make sure their shorts from last summer still fit before we started packing. And then thought to myself that I should probably do the same. My discovery? NONE of my shorts fit. Well..... not entirely true. A couple pairs went on. My favorite pair didn't fit at all. Now, I would love to report that none of them fit because they were too big. But, the reality is that I spent much of the fall and winter dealing with emotional issues rather than physical. And diet hasn't been my highest priority. Neither has a routine exercise plan. The nice part? I didn't spiral. I didn't think of myself as a terrible person because I've gained a few pounds. My friends in Phoenix will still love me even if I don't look perfect. Because my beauty doesn't come from the perfect pair of shorts. It comes from the inside and the outside. And, after two pregnancies and two c-sections, my abs are never going to be my best feature. And I'm completely ok with that. Because there are other aspects of me that MORE than make up for it.
Ya know... like my hair. My hair is definitely my best feature, even if it's always in a ponytail. I always know that if I'm having a great hair day, everything will be right with the world. :) While I still get irritated when people "boing" my hair, when the right person plays with it just the right way, it's the best feeling in the world. And, if I let you play with my hair, that is love right there. (And I'm kinda starting to learn that I have a pretty nice booty. I think it's all those damn squats. *grin*)
As for inner beauty, my stalwart refusal to give up on people is something I think is beautiful. Once you are my friend, that doesn't change...EVER. I don't let go of friendship. I used to think there were only two people in my life that I couldn't be friends with. I've since realized that I've forgiven those two people for the havoc they wreaked in my life. Because I wouldn't be the person I am today without their actions. And if I can forgive those two individuals, I can't ever give up on anyone's friendship -- no matter what. So to those of you who I don't talk to regularly anymore, know that you are still my friend. And have no doubt that I think of you frequently.
So am I beautiful? Yes. Do my shorts have to fit to prove that? Hell no. As long as I have confidence in me, that's what matters.
Showing posts with label healthy living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy living. Show all posts
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Because It's a Miracle
Day 4 of the #loveyourbodychallenge from Molly Galbraith of GirlsGoneStrong.
Reason #4 to Love My Body: Because It's a Miracle
A friend of mine mentioned last night that he didn't deserve my kindness and that I shouldn't worry about him. And I was baffled, because he is an incredibly important person to me. He shows me kindness and supports me in my endeavors and always reminds me that I'm an amazing person. He writes with such imagery and detail that it leaves me breathless. And that creativity and generosity of spirit will always have my kindness and respect and love. While he may not currently recognize his inner strength and wisdom, I hope that I can help him to find those qualities within himself.
And, as I sat contemplating my purpose today, our interaction last night reminded me of the starfish and helped me to really define my purpose and my impact. To make a difference to this one. To help others learn the value in themselves.
It has taken me most of my life to understand this aspiration. I heard the story of the starfish when I was in high school, but I don't remember when or where. And it stuck with me. And, as I've gone through my life, I've found myself drawn to people and situations where I naturally want to help others find the best in themselves. In every relationship (friend, coworker, acquaintance) I've ever had, helping is what came naturally.
I have always felt compelled to help others find the best in themselves. I try to help them see how amazing they truly are, even when sometimes they don't feel it. Especially when they don't feel it. Because, the deep down truth is that we are all miracles. Every one of us was born to complete a purpose to those we come in contact with. I may not ever know the impact of what I say to another human being, but I like to think that a simple smile to someone who isn't expecting it might brighten their day.
As for the impact I'm having, it's motivating to know that I've inspired others. I have created a fire in friends and family to find health and fitness. I have helped friends find the courage to either stay with or leave careers. I have brought a smile to someone's day. I have helped teach the next generation that kindness, no matter how small, is important. Because, the reality is, we will never know the impact that we have on others' lives with a simple word, deed, or facial expression.
So, while I might not be able to find a cure for cancer or clean up the entire planet, I can make a difference in the lives of those around me. And inspire them to create change within themselves to discover the very best person inside themselves. And maybe if each one of us finds the best of the best within us, that will be the catalyst to make the world a better place for everyone.
Reason #4 to Love My Body: Because It's a Miracle
A friend of mine mentioned last night that he didn't deserve my kindness and that I shouldn't worry about him. And I was baffled, because he is an incredibly important person to me. He shows me kindness and supports me in my endeavors and always reminds me that I'm an amazing person. He writes with such imagery and detail that it leaves me breathless. And that creativity and generosity of spirit will always have my kindness and respect and love. While he may not currently recognize his inner strength and wisdom, I hope that I can help him to find those qualities within himself.
And, as I sat contemplating my purpose today, our interaction last night reminded me of the starfish and helped me to really define my purpose and my impact. To make a difference to this one. To help others learn the value in themselves.
It has taken me most of my life to understand this aspiration. I heard the story of the starfish when I was in high school, but I don't remember when or where. And it stuck with me. And, as I've gone through my life, I've found myself drawn to people and situations where I naturally want to help others find the best in themselves. In every relationship (friend, coworker, acquaintance) I've ever had, helping is what came naturally.
I have always felt compelled to help others find the best in themselves. I try to help them see how amazing they truly are, even when sometimes they don't feel it. Especially when they don't feel it. Because, the deep down truth is that we are all miracles. Every one of us was born to complete a purpose to those we come in contact with. I may not ever know the impact of what I say to another human being, but I like to think that a simple smile to someone who isn't expecting it might brighten their day.
As for the impact I'm having, it's motivating to know that I've inspired others. I have created a fire in friends and family to find health and fitness. I have helped friends find the courage to either stay with or leave careers. I have brought a smile to someone's day. I have helped teach the next generation that kindness, no matter how small, is important. Because, the reality is, we will never know the impact that we have on others' lives with a simple word, deed, or facial expression.
So, while I might not be able to find a cure for cancer or clean up the entire planet, I can make a difference in the lives of those around me. And inspire them to create change within themselves to discover the very best person inside themselves. And maybe if each one of us finds the best of the best within us, that will be the catalyst to make the world a better place for everyone.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Because It's Mine
Day 1 of the #loveyourbodychallenge from Molly Galbraith of GirlsGoneStrong.
Reason #1 to Love My Body: Because It's Mine
I never quite realized how poorly I've treated my body. I treat it like it will always be there and I will always have the opportunity to makes the changes I would like to see. But, as I approach 40 (ugh...yes, 40), I realize that there are certain opportunities that have passed me by because of the previous choices I made in life. I know that I will never be an Olympic gymnast or have the metabolism of a pro athlete (and that's totally ok). I am learning to own the choices that I have made and and realize that I have to put my past behind me. (Thank you Rafiki!) I cannot go back and undo the choices I made when I was younger or even the choices I made yesterday.
On the other hand, just because I cannot go back and change the choices I've made, that does NOT give me an excuse to continue to make the same poor choices. I can learn from those decisions and CHOOSE to make changes to better myself and my body. I can decide to exercise and eat right this morning. Not because I want to look hot in a bikini (though that's a good perk), but because I love my body and I choose to treat it well so that I have a healthy body to live in for all of my life. When I accept this love and this responsibility, eating right and exercising and treating my body like the temple it is becomes easy and second nature.
Am I going to slip up at times and treat my body a little poorly? Yep. And I can own these choices and make them my own. I hear from myself, my friends and my clients daily that they give up when they feel they have made a mistake. But, none of us are perfect. In fact, I'm going to repeat that because it bears repeating: NONE OF US ARE PERFECT. I cannot undo the choice that I made this morning to have Starbucks with my daughters, nor do I want to. Was it the healthiest food for my body? Nope. But, on a late start morning, absolutely worth the time spent with my daughters bonding over lattes and frappuccinos.
Going forward, I will treat my body with the love and respect it deserves. Because that love has to start with me. If I can't love my body and myself, I will always be at the mercy of myself and others. If I treat my body with love and care, I will define my own worth. And that definition is the only one that matters.
Reason #1 to Love My Body: Because It's Mine
I never quite realized how poorly I've treated my body. I treat it like it will always be there and I will always have the opportunity to makes the changes I would like to see. But, as I approach 40 (ugh...yes, 40), I realize that there are certain opportunities that have passed me by because of the previous choices I made in life. I know that I will never be an Olympic gymnast or have the metabolism of a pro athlete (and that's totally ok). I am learning to own the choices that I have made and and realize that I have to put my past behind me. (Thank you Rafiki!) I cannot go back and undo the choices I made when I was younger or even the choices I made yesterday.
On the other hand, just because I cannot go back and change the choices I've made, that does NOT give me an excuse to continue to make the same poor choices. I can learn from those decisions and CHOOSE to make changes to better myself and my body. I can decide to exercise and eat right this morning. Not because I want to look hot in a bikini (though that's a good perk), but because I love my body and I choose to treat it well so that I have a healthy body to live in for all of my life. When I accept this love and this responsibility, eating right and exercising and treating my body like the temple it is becomes easy and second nature.
Am I going to slip up at times and treat my body a little poorly? Yep. And I can own these choices and make them my own. I hear from myself, my friends and my clients daily that they give up when they feel they have made a mistake. But, none of us are perfect. In fact, I'm going to repeat that because it bears repeating: NONE OF US ARE PERFECT. I cannot undo the choice that I made this morning to have Starbucks with my daughters, nor do I want to. Was it the healthiest food for my body? Nope. But, on a late start morning, absolutely worth the time spent with my daughters bonding over lattes and frappuccinos.
Going forward, I will treat my body with the love and respect it deserves. Because that love has to start with me. If I can't love my body and myself, I will always be at the mercy of myself and others. If I treat my body with love and care, I will define my own worth. And that definition is the only one that matters.
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