How do you feel about the body you have?
@Perspectives (7131)
Canada
November 7, 2007 8:50pm CST
I was watching one of the entertainment shows and they were using Photoshop to morph skinny actresses into ones that looked like the average woman on the street. At one time I worked in the fashion industry and developed a deep discontent with the body I had and developed two eating disorders in an attempt to force it down to a weight it was never meant to be.
It took years for me to change my views of myself and the body I was given. Thankfully those challenges are far behind me and my husband and I developed a healthy weight management program that assists clients in reaching a place of acceptance about the body they have. Many we have worked with stop chasing after an image that may not be right for them and begin to place emphasis on getting making their bodies healthy and strong.
Part of my ability to overcome two eating disorders was to come to the realization that whatever the size, shape and appearance of anyone's body it is who lives inside that counts. When I began to commit to loving body the way it is that was my starting point. After that I realized it was more important to work on becoming healthy and whole than it was to pressure myself into being skinnier than I was meant to be. That was a turning point and I've never looked back.
That is the track we take when working with clients or presenting healthy living seminars. This approach works and consistently brings about lasting changes for the better. Once anyone makes peace with the body they have it frees up a tremendous amount of energy to live from the 'inside out' instead of the 'outside in.'
Now with a rapidly expanding population of baby-boomers we are seeing plastic surgery becoming one of the highest paying specialties in medicine. So what does that say about how countless people feel about the body they have and I couldn't help wondering what fellow Mylotters would say on this topic. To me if people want to enhance the body they have for themselves...that is way different that trying to change the body to fit unrealistic image to gain outer approval. In my view life is a journey of learning to love yourself first and then extending that love to others at every encounter. I know from experience that cannot happen if one cannot make peace with the body they've been given. If society put as much emphasis on looking at how we FEEL rather than how we LOOK I think there would a lot less illness and imbalance out there. I included a photo of some kids we know that are learning that from an early age by being active and enjoying exercise from an early age.
So are you willing to share how you feel about the body you have and how you developed your opinion about it? Have you ever been a fully fledged member of the dieting brigade? Are you still...or did you get out of that and onto something else? Do you dislike parts of your body or something about how it reflects your culture? Or have you made peace with the body you have? To me our body is only an outer reflection of who we are inside?
In my view it is up to each of us to define who we are...not the entertainment or fashion industry...or anyone/anything else. No one else can ever define our lives...we do.
Anyway, anything you'd care to share on the topic are always appreciated.
Best regards,
Raia
9 people like this
17 responses
@ailema4ever (2668)
• Finland
8 Nov 07
Ahhhh...quite a discussion. I was a chubby kid, so everybody called me "chubby" and that stuck with me even though I had never been overweight. Most of my life, people had pointed out to me whenever I gained weight (even though I knew it, but it didn't really bother me), and that started to bother me. I was sick and tired of people telling somebody, "Oh, you look fatter" but when the person gets back to her/his original weight, they say nothing about that.
I think for me there had been bad days and good days in the past. I think I had more trouble viewing myself as pretty, so being claimed as "chubby" wasn't THAT annoying since it had stuck with me since I was a kid. Ever since I was a kid, I knew that I wasn't one of the "pretty" ones...but only at university I learnt my own beauty. Back then one of my closest friends had a confidence problem. She used to be chubby, too (just like me), but then she started doing aerobics regularly and she had a slim body in a short time. So she should have been confident, right? Not at all, even though from society's point of view, she would be considered prettier than me. She kept on joking about me and my other friend 'coz we were chubbier than she was after she lost all the weight. She would grab our arm and jokingly said, "Look at how flabby it is!" We didn't mind that at all, 'coz we were more concerned about her than us. We were fine even with our flabby arms, but she was so focused on making herself feel good by putting other people down. She also felt depressed 'coz she hadn't got any admirers, even though she said that one church friend of hers whom she considered "less pretty" had so many male fans.
Anyhow, from that experience, I learnt so many things. Right now I'm more concerned about my health rather than my weight or my looks. I've come to terms with my looks now. I know that I have my own beauty. At first I based that confidence on some guys who complimented on me, but I know it's the wrong way 'coz it should come from the inside. Ever since I was at the uni, I started learning to love myself no matter what. It's not an easy process and I learnt it bit by bit, but I think when I moved to Finland, I learnt THE MOST lessons of all.
It gets easier and easier to learn to love myself no matter what, 'coz I realize that if we keep on saying negative things to ourselves, we'll never get anywhere. We'll only be drowned in our own self-pity. I don't mean to say that we should deny the truths in life. Sure we have to admit if there's something wrong with us or there's something we need to fix, but we should move on after we give some time to mourn or to chide ourselves.
Last year when my Mom started feeling so much pain on her knee and back, I made a pact to myself to always take good care of my health. All the doctors keep on telling my Mom to lose some weight, but it's not easy to do, esp. when you're getting older and older and you haven't exercised regularly for decades...plus with a knee like Mom, she can't exercise rigorously. So since then I told myself that I had to exercise regularly - mind you, I used to HATE exercising he he he he...
Gee, I'm rambling so much he he he...back to weight/body issues. In High School, I met a girl who could be classified as overweight, but she has such a SUNNY disposition and she's very outgoing and she gets along well with everybody so that nobody really sees her as a "big" girl because of that. She also has lots of male fans wherever she goes 'coz of her personality. :-)))) She feels comfy in her own skin, so I also learnt that lesson from her. ;-D
I agree with you about feeling content with ourselves. When we can make peace with ourselves, then we'll stop comparing with other people and just be content.
I have another experience with another friend who was slightly overweight, then she exercised and dieted and now she's slim. She said that it was addictive, the wanting to lose more and more and more weight whenever she got on the scales. Hearing that, I was shocked!!! She's now SO sexy and all that and she still wants to lose more weight?!?!?!? I told myself that I DO NOT want to be like that, please! So I set up a normal weight goal for me (for health purposes, according to my age) and decide to be happy when I'm within that weight range and I promise myself that I will NOT let anyone, including myself, to make me feel bad about my body or my looks.
And I intend on keeping that promise for as long as I shall live he he he he...
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
What a wonderful testimony! It is fascinating to hear how you were able to go through experiences like that and form different a different set of values and beliefs for yourself. See...once again your innate ability for critical thinking shows through. I like the way you figured out....hmmmm if I do this I will get that outcome whereas if I choose something different I can hopefully head off similar challenges in my future.
Hearing about your friend chiding you for the size and shape of your body is, as you said a sad way to make herself feel better by putting others down. There is a lot more of that out there there these days and adds to people's dissatisfaction with their bodies.
Your approach sounds well thought out, balanced, realistic and very sensible. Things can improve when we make more life affirming choices. Look at your Mom and me. I am very confident that my knee will be even better than when I injured this time. It was a huge wakeup call for me and I plan to make a commitment similar to yours that you will keep on your healthy living plans for the rest of your life.
The comment that really resonated for me was your..."I set up a normal weight goal FOR ME and I will NOT let anyone, including myelf to mae me feel bad about my body or my looks. That is a powerful statement, especially the part about 'especially myself.' That is key because it is up to us to define who we are...no one else.
This was an excellent addition to the topic and I value your openness and having a chance to learn more about how you developed the wonderful philosophy about life that you have. You are wise beyond your years my dear!
Thanks for being here again...always a joy Amel.
Take care Hon,
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Nov 07
Hello again Hon...
Good to hear that you like the discussions and they get your writer's brain firing. I know the feeling! You are very wise to be considering the long term effects of the healthy living choices you are making now. Building muscle, staying strong and flexible, eating right and having a positive outlook are all whole person spikes in our wheel of life. The way you are approaching things it sounds as though you are doing a great job of balancing those aspects and I am sure you will be fit into really advanced years.
Not many young people look that far ahead because they think they are invincible and often make poor choices within that mindset. As your friend I am glad to know that you are willing to do that. You know by now that I genuinely wish all good things for you and yours and taking care of the body we have is the best way to have that happen.
As you have said watching your Mom...compromised health really reduces the quality of life in other areas. Having a role model like the fit 'older' man shows that in many ways age is just a number and that our biological age is the true number. I know from experience that taking care of myself is allowing me to live like a person younger than my chronological years and I intend to keep that up as long as I am here. Oprah has been featuring a doctor on her show presenting scientific proof that we can change our biology by changing our lifestyle and is suggesting that in the not too distant future people could be living to at least 100 years and possibly 120 with the preemptive approach to their health and well-being.
So be sure and keep up all the things you are doing and I am sure you will be hiking around the world even after all your kids are grown up. I love to dwell in possibility thinking too!
Good to chat as always...we'll keep in touch. Hope you and your hubby enjoy the weekend...are you up at the cabin? David and I are staying around home and relaxing. I am watching some television with David and our 7 animals. The sun is streaming in the skylights on this lovely extended fall day and I am saying...ahhhhhh life is good!
Hugs, love and blessings to you Amel,
Raia
@ailema4ever (2668)
• Finland
9 Nov 07
Hi, Raia!
Glad you enjoyed reading it. I just got all carried away ha ha ha ha...As usual, your discussion made me want to write a short story or something hi hi...
Yeah, gladly now that friend of mine's stopped doing it: chiding me and my friend for our chubbiness. In fact, she stopped doing it after a few years. Phew!!!
Yes, I'm also sure that your knee'll be better now. :-))) Another thing that drives me to stay healthy is the fact that I still want to travel in my old age. Travelling is a tiring to do, esp. if you go to a faraway place. I have one Taiwanese friend who travelled around the world after he retired from work and he could do it 'coz he's still so fit. I want to do that too. :-))))
Seeing one friend putting herself down over and over again about her weight made me feel that I had to make a commitment to help me stop putting myself down like she did. It's just not good for anyone. Plus if we're happy, it's easier for our partner to be happy, too, right? ;-D He doesn't have to bear with our questions, "Do I look good? Do I look slim? Do I look sexy?" and he doesn't have to feel confused about what kind of answer to give he he he...
Well, I sure hope I can keep all my commitments and promises to myself for the rest of my life. ;-D THANKS for your compliment. :-))) It's always a pleasure to respond to your discussion as you always have interesting topics to reply to. ;-D
Take care, Raia!
LOVE,
AMEL
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
8 Nov 07
My body has gone up and down in weight so many times I cant count. I see myself with an sort athletic body . not now for I have a tummy.
hoping to get rid of but just need to exerzie it.
SInce the operation I have lost 15 pounds but still have this darn tummy. Which dont bother me to much at all really.
also my skin has got so tried out and I hae lotins to put on but dont get around to it am lazy .
as for people cahngeing with plastic surgery I dont think that helps them at all.
FOr one part some of them dont work the ay that was wanted in the first place.
and anyone going under the knife unless need be is nuts.
altho I never cared weather I had boobies are not I wouldnt have ever gone had them took off like I too to get rid of the cancer .
and I always figured if they didnt like what they saw they would just miss out on who I am lol.
My body is here and I live with in it. cant change the outer shell. but balance out the inner one the best I can.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Nov 07
Hi Lakota...
When I saw when you posted this a few days ago I realized I'd missed commenting and I'm sorry about that. I have mentioned to you when we've chatted that you have a great attitude about most everything and the way you feel about your body shows that again.
Your whole approach to your surgery and adapting to it is something I respect immensely. Your parting comment is classic...and yes, if people cannot get beyond our outer appearance they're probably not someone either one of us would want in our lives. Good addition my friend, thanks!
Take care...talk soon..
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
12 Nov 07
Yes I did...I have a little time today and have been visiting your site and other friends.
I loved what you said about the outer shell not being who we are...yes it our essence that is the real indicator...and I sure value yours my friend!
Love and hugs,
Raia
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
8 Nov 07
I have been happy with my body through all the age changes and I think my husbands and boyfriends were pretty satisfied..LOL. Now I am in the aging gracefully stage where I take care of myself and would never consider plastic surgery for vanity's sake.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
8 Nov 07
I forgot to add that I disagree with your statement " To me our body is only an outer reflection of who we are inside" as I have known some rather ugly looking people who were beautiful inside and some who had a beautiful appearance but were very ugly inside.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
With other discussions we have had in the past I am not surprised by your grounded level of acceptance and realist outlook about who you are within the body you have. I agree with you about surgery for vanity's sake although there are some who have done it for reasons other than 'image-management' and it has improved their quality of life and sense of self immensely.
In regard to your comment about inner/outer reflections. To ugliness is a judgment from others and I truly do see it within the eye of the beholder and has nothing to do with the outer form per say. To me health radiates from within and when I said it is a reflection it was a reference to how people feel about themselves and whether they value who they are and the body they have enough to view it as a temple that needs to be loved, upheld and cared for.
Within my energetically based framework I see the body as a gift from Source and our spirits live within it. When the spirit within is happy, content and feeling loved it shows regardless of their outer form. I have seen some beautiful people we were dismembered, extremely overweight and disfigured. Their bright spirit shown beyond any of it because of how they felt about themselves.
My comment had nothing to do with any framework of beauty and ugliness...that is a perceptual thing and I do my best to remain neutral. Not that I succeed all the time...but my mind has been trained to look at (of course) all 'perspectives.'
Good to hear from you again...and best regards.
Raia
@cobradene (1171)
• India
8 Nov 07
I feel great about myself. I feel great that I have a body which is totally intact and I don't have to complain about anything at all. The only regret is, I wish I started learning yoga as a kid and not after 25. But still, I'm enjoying my yoga which has given enough flexibility and agility as well. I feel more energetic than ever and I'm also in good shape. I just feel great...that's all. Nothing to complain at all.
1 person likes this
@cobradene (1171)
• India
9 Nov 07
Thanks a lot Raj. Thanks for wishing me. My path doesn't end here. It goes beyond to lead others and help them realise the importance too. :)
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Nov 07
Good for you! I have a similar commitment in the work my hubs and I do. Offering life enhancing ideas that lead to lasting transformational changes...there is nothing quite like it in whatever form it takes. And as we both know yoga certainly does lead to that!
Anyway, keep on keeping on...sounds like you are on your soul path! Great to hear.
Warmest regards and light filled blessings,
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
Hi...I appreciate how your yoga practice. I have been doing it off and on for years and know that it has contributed to an innate flexibility and sense of being connected to my body in a grounded way.
It is great to hear responses like yours where there is not only a focus on how the body looks...but how it feels and functions. You seem to have achieved the best of both worlds.
Keep up the great approach and I am sure you will feel as as vital into advanced years as you do today! Thanks for your additions to the topic!.
Raia
1 person likes this
@brendakaya (2332)
• United States
8 Nov 07
I am not at all satisfied with mine, anymore. I used to be much skinnier. I used to have, close to a perfect figure, and it's gone, gone, gone. I don't even recognize myself, when I look in the mirror, anymore. The past 8 years, at my present job, has wreaked havoc on me. There is always food nearby, and I have a deskjob, so I'm sedentary. I have arthritis in my feet, and I fell and hurt my knee, a little over a year ago, and it needs to be operated on, so even if I wanted to be more active, I couldn't. It bothers me, alot. I'm embarassed when people see me, that used to know me, back when. I was too embarassed to go to my family reunion, this year.
1 person likes this
@brendakaya (2332)
• United States
9 Nov 07
Thank you. I'll check in to these things you mentioned. I appreciate it.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Nov 07
You are welcome...I offer them from personal experience and everything suggested has radically altered my life for the better. I wish the same for you my friend. I have some more healthy living ideas on my blog. The address there is:
http://pohl-perspectives.blogspot.com
Your comments would be as welcome there as they are here and there might be some additional 'perspective' that will assist you. It is my genuine hope that you will find whatever answers you need to help you move beyond your current challenges.
Warm and caring regards,
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
Hi Brendakaya,
I respect your open, heartfelt admission about how you feel and can empathize. My journey to health, wholeness and balanced living was daunting at times and I had many health and personal challenges and the hardest thing for me to come to terms with was that I was the only one who could change things. There is a new book out that doctor Oz has been promoting on the Oprah show. She has had a three part series about how to turn back the clock and extend our lifespan.
The last one will be on this coming Monday and if you have time to watch it I'd recommend it. I cannot recall the name of the book right now except that it has 'You' in the title. Dr Oz. and Dr. Riozon (?) have co-authored it and cite countless examples of people who have completely turned their lives around and 'youthed' themselves back to health. You could probably get the name from Oprah online.
I also injured my knee and was scheduled for surgery two years ago because of osteoarthritis, torn ligaments and and frayed meniscus. Then recently I re-injured it again and am scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday but it has improved so much with what I've been doing I expect to strengthen it to the point that I won't need surgery the way I have in the past. I know I re-injured my knee because I allowed life to get out of balance the way it sounds you have. When I first started Mylotting I sat for long hours and it didn't take long for me to feel stiff, weak and not very motivated and being out of shape contributed to my knee injury.
During the last month I have seen a physiotherapist and have exercises I do daily. I added a variety of raw fruit juices during the day and went completely off unprocessed food. The supplements GLH and MSN have been proven to strengthen joints and within less than a week my mobility improved dramatically. Our dog is going into her 16th year and very stiff. We added those supplements to her diet and she is doing better as well. So maybe it could help you...I sure hope so my friend because it sounds as though you are going through a lot.
I offer the benefit of my experiences as a testimony of hope. My hubby and I work as life coaches and continually see people radically change their lives for the better when they put their past track record behind them, do course corrections by making different choices.
If there is ever anything I can offer you feel free to send me an e-mail. It is my sincere wish that you find some answers to assist you in turning things around. Life is short and I hope you will take care to improve the quality of yours.
Warm regards,
Raia
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
8 Nov 07
hello again, Raia. When I was still in college, and have a super sexy bestfriend, I came to a point that I exercised so much. I think those rigid exercise backfired on me. I started feeling not so good. So I stopped doing it altogether.
Unlike my sisters and my mother, who tried ways to keep off the weight, I just eat what I like. Fortunately, I have a fast metabolism. And if I do retain body fat, it's not that much. Bad sadly, it's concentrated on my stomach. When I was still umarried, I always had a little fat below my tummy. And that made me a bit insecure whenever I see my sexy bestfriend!lol! I wanted my tummy to look like hers, as flat as an ironing board!^_^
But, I guess, I was stuck with that body fat. And when I got married and had my son, it gotten worse. Before my brother and I would joke about my belly fat. He would ask me how was my "balcony?" Now, that "balcony" has a second floor!
I don't look fat when you look at me at first glance. But when you focus on my belly, that's where you'll find my deep, dark secret!lol!
The only exercise I get is the walking type. Whenever I have to bring my son to school and get him after class. His school is a little far from our house and the road is not that straight. At my first time of walking, I thought I was going to faint from the effort. I felt like I was hiking up the mountain.
Overall, I'm happy with my body. I eat whatever I like. And if the belly wants to pop up, I just have to hide it from plain view, by wearing comfortable clothes and not the skintight types.
tina^_^
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@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
Greetings...
Yes comparing our bodies to others can create discontent, especially when we're younger. That problem is so evident with teenagers and young adults in today's society. The good thing about growing into ourselves is that we become more loving and accepting and it sounds as you have achieved that.
Everyone has areas that they might like to improve and tummies seem to be a challenge for a lot of us. I have a video called 8 minute abs and it works wonders on the ab area with a short commitment and minimal time investment.
The fact that you can kid around with your brother and so openly discuss how you feel about your body sounds very confident. You are fortunate to have a good metabolism and having a walking program is a great way to keep your body strong and healthy.
Sounds like you have a great body and you are happy within it! Nice to know that my friend.
Take care an many blessings to you and yours,
Raia
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Nov 07
Oh I sooooooo know what you mean. In my office I have a Universal gym, free weights, balance ball and stationery bike. I also have a variety of videos including the two you mention and I also find it hard to get into it at home. There are always so many distractions and commitments and simply deciding to 'do it' is a challenge for me. The strange thing is I really enjoy exercise but find it hard to commit to doing it on a regular basis. So you are not alone on this one my friend!
However, since injuring my knee it has been a wakeup call and seeing how getting back in shape has helped it and my whole body I feel a greater sense of motivation to make some form of exercise a daily experience and a way of life. Sounds like your walking program works for you...and all the experts say it is the best and simplest way to stay healthy. So you probably are on the right track...so just keep on keeping on!
Take care...hope things continue to be good with you and your family. David and I are doing well too.
Your pal Raia
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@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
9 Nov 07
A few years ago, I bought two exercise videos, A Taebo video, and a dance aerobics video(it's actually more of a hip-hop dance). I tried every one of them but I only did it for a few days. I guess, you could call me a lazy one when it comes to committing myself to regular exercise. That's why I just stick to my walking routine, convincing myself that it's the only exercise I can do. So I should be kind to my body and health.
1 person likes this
@mbs730 (2147)
• Canada
10 Nov 07
You asked so I will answer. I hate it. I hate my body. Firstly I am almost 70lbs overweight (uggh never been that heavy in my life, even at my heaviest) and I also have a build that is nice for a boy, but not for a woman. So I hate my body. And I just keep eating to stuff down whatever pain I have, so its a vicious cycle that I want to break but my horrible side won't let me do it.
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
8 Nov 07
Well... I love my body... laugh.
I have been slim all my life.
And today at 56... I am no different.
I am 182cm tall and weight 72 kilos.
That just over 6 feet and 11/2 stones.
I reckon that it is my smoking which keeps me in shape.
As you get heart diseases from smoking as well as being overweight... I prefer to die slim and beautiful. laugh.
1 person likes this
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
9 Nov 07
I am naturally skinny and not happy about it in winter. All I can do is eat more and wear layers of clothes or at least sweaters. I also do physical work sometimes and after that I feel like broken bones hehe
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
11 Nov 07
I know it might now always be great for you but i am sure many who are overweight wish they had that as a challenge. (laugh) I can appreciate being thin in the winter could be challenging...not too much insulation there I guess.
Thanks for adding your views and how you feel about your body. We are all unique and that sure comes through in discussions like these.
Cheers...and stay warm because winter is coming if it hasn't already arrived where you are. Thankfully here in Southwestern Manitoba we haven't had much snow yet.
Raia
@sophylline (1041)
• Philippines
20 Nov 07
Honestly, I started to be conscious of my body when I was in my late teens and until my twenties. At that time I felt I needed to be more skinny, but looking at pictures from way before, wow, I just had the right and perfect body! I mean honestly. Even then I would hear some family members about my having the very ideal body. I wasn't skinny, alright, I had flesh in the right parts of my body but I wasn't convinced. I don't know about this stage if every one goes through it, but I knew at that time most of my friends look at their body the same way. I guess the media is really to blame about it. But I could honestly also say that my body have undergone a lot of different shapes in my lifetime. I did experience getting really skinny when I was working already for the first time and with full schedule was also finishing up my thesis and a couple of subjects and just robbed my strength, I guess. And I did experience getting really chubby and would say fat in my very late twenties when I had my first business. I learned that people would always judge based on how you look and they don't even consider what it is you really feel about it. They would always give you unsolicited advice or comments. When I was in my skinniest body they would tell me, oh you look terrible, blah, blah, you should eat, blah, blah. They were thinking that I was on a diet! I wasn't even trying! So, when I got all plumped up they were not at all thrilled either. So, you cannot please people. And it's as if, I was doing these things to my body on purpose. I don't know. But I do know, that I am very satisfied with my present body. And I don't care if anyone out there would say anything about it. It's funny, recently, someone I know saw me, and she said,hi, you look thinner, are you sick? MY goodness. But I guess, she just based all that to some of my relatives who are undergoing illness. So, I would say, that I don't think anyone has really the perfect body, it is in your mind. I could actually say I am happy with my body and very comfortable with it, whatever people may say.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
21 Nov 07
Hello my friend...
What a refreshing, honest, open and genuine response! It is wonderful to learn about the inner the process you worked through to reach this point of awareness. I am at a similar place and the examples you used about never being able to meet the mark for people's view on most everything is great!
Think how much happier and healthier people would be if they could reach the place you are. Being comfortable under our own skin and appreciating the body we have is something I struggled with for years. It was only when I had and epiphany and realized that the discontent was not within the body itself...but within the inner landscape of my life.
Once I realized that the 'outer is a reflection of the inner' I was able to shift my focus away from defining myself by how I looked...or what I did and onto growing my soul I came to love and accept the body I have. Wonderful to have that...and know you do too. Here we have yet another reason where our views are aligned. Not surprising...we certainly to inhabit many of the same realms and how lovely that is!
Thanks for adding this I value what you wrote helps increase understanding of who we are and how we got to this point in our consciousness.
Love, light, hugs and prayers of support for you and yours.
Raia
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
8 Nov 07
It's really hard for anyone to have a good opinion of their body in today's society. Everyone is conditioned to want to look like models and celebrities. I know growing up there were models and movie stars that we all wanted to look like. Also anyone outside the norm is picked on and made fun of which also leads to a poor self image.
As for my own body...No, I'm not happy with it's present condition or shape. I need to work on losing weight... more than I care to admit though. At the same time, I know I'll never be 5'9, 110 lb. model. I also know I'll never be a size 5. That doesn't mean I can't be healthy or be a normal size (normal being average size for my height).
At the same time, in a period when so many ppl are worried about their appearance, I have no plans of getting liposuction, tucks, face lifts, or anything else. I'm going to age gracefully. I think more ppl should be proud of their age. I look at it as a personal accomplishment to have survived 39...almost 40...years in this world. That's not an easy accomplishment these days.
"COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS"
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
I hear you! It is a challenge to keep one's sense of self intact with how our sense bombarded with iconic body image ideals that most of us will never achieve. I fell into that mind trap when I was younger and thankfully I do not buy into that anymore either.
It sounds lie you have an inner confidence and all it would take is a few adjustments to your fitness levels to allow you to take your body where you would like it to be. I have used the emotional freedom techniques mentioned in a previous post. You might want to check it out and the site. It is a simple, effect method of changing self-limiting behaviors, increasing motivation and helping people transform their lives in profound ways. You can download the manual free of charge and the video is worth watching...it is very motivating.
Anyway, thanks for your input and the e-mail..we'll keep in touch.
Best regards,
Raia
@YoungInLove (1254)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
It all depends on the day how i feel about my body. Somedays I'll feel sexy while over days i just feel horrible. All in all..there are some things about myself i wish i could change.. but i have a good body. I dont work out and i dont eat as healthy as i should and still i look slim and toned..so for now im gonna just enjoy what i have.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Nov 07
Oh yes, we all have our good days and not so good ones in regard to our body-image. I do not think anyone would argue with that. I have been there and back on that one as you probably read from my discussion.
Sounds like you have reached a good place in celebrating the good biology you have and liking the place you are. Once people get there life takes on a whole different hue than constantly comparing ourselves to others or some idealized fashion icon's idea of the the 'perfect' body. In so many ways it has nothing to do with anything if we choose to live in a grounded place within ourselves.
Thanks for you input...and best regards,
Raia
@xXxMikesWifeyxXx (3072)
• United States
9 Nov 07
I am not comfterble with my body at all. and i wish i could change it and i can i just am hvaing a hard time doing it..i try the diets but my will is veary veary small. i started doing an excersze tape and i like it..i hope that someday soon i will be at a right soze to were i can feel good about myself.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
11 Nov 07
Hi and thanks for your input here. You might want to check out the emotional freedom technique (EMT) I posted. The site is listed there and you can download the manual free of charge. If you use it on a daily basis it helps to break self-limiting patterns of behavior and assist you in achieving your goals in any area of life.
Good luck with your new program...because when we feel good...we look good...and then we often do good! lol
Raia
@zhhyhb (11)
• China
8 Nov 07
Even i am not tall, but i am satisfied with my body. God gives everyone the similar body with two eyes, two ears,a mouth.......
Don't ever dislike your body just because others' dislike, you know, everyone's body is unique!
There will be no people like you ,if even you don't like yourselfe!
God love those who love themselves!
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
Hello and welcome to Mylot
Nice of you to make this site your first addition and I hope to see you again. You have added some good points and I agree with all of them. Your closing comment really speaks to me...yes; "God loves those who loves themselves.
Good input...thanks!
Raia
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
8 Nov 07
Even at the ripe old age of 60 I'm still happy with my body. I've always tried to keep in shape and always will.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
Hearing your positive, strong sense of self is wonderful and refreshing. My many challenges have taught me to love the body we're in because it is the only one we have. As more people age and keep themselves fit soon 60 will be the new forty!
Good comment...thanks1!
@butterfly39 (3904)
• Philippines
8 Nov 07
Well, you're right...if we want to stay healthy and fit then we should have a good diet and have the courage to be curious in all things...
We should always do what we think the best for us...and stay from bad habits...
missyouthen...
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Nov 07
Yes, both your comments are true and help us to love the body we have. Some people think that good health is a right...but essentially it is a responsibility. There are many co-factors that help us feel good in the body we are given and the suggestions you made are good ones. I have found when people feel good...they look also look good.
Your comments and observations are appreciated.
Raia
@melissa2501 (50)
• United States
30 Nov 07
I used to love my body but since I had my baby, not anymore I have this belly eewwww
