Last week I wrote about my struggle with body image, positivity, and love. This week, it is time to turn that frown upside down. In the interest of helping myself have a more positive outlook and modeling some good practices, I would like to enumerate why I think my body is awesome.
First, I am neither smaller than a size 4 nor larger than a 14. Let’s be real, women’s clothing is sized by Lucifer himself. Every company uses a different standard and since different cuts fit different curves, you know differently, there isn’t a woman I know who doesn’t have a ridiculous range of clothing sizes in her closet. Yet we fixate on those numbers as much as what’s on the scale. I think I am the right size to enjoy life (and dessert), stress less about what fits, and concentrate on what makes me look, and more importantly, feel good.
Second, I have been lucky enough to have grown a tiny human. So many women I know have struggled with fertility and talk about destroying body positivity. I was incredibly lucky to have a smooth pregnancy. One that I exercised through, more than the doctor recommended, but that had benefits too. I had a short labor, no drugs, and a regular delivery. And now that my tiny human is older, I have reaped the benefits of tons of toddler bicep curls and squats.
Third, I am over the age of 35. I am 37 and I don’t care that you know that. My family just got back from a beach vacation. Just those two words have been enough to send me reeling in previous years. But this was the first year I can remember that I felt good in a swim suit. Not swim suit model fabulous, but decent enough to get in the ocean and enjoy myself. And decent enough to not compare myself to everyone on the beach either. Win.
Fourth, I teach on a college campus and I fitness test with my students. I regularly am able to out exercise kids half my age, guys included. This is something I take a weird and perverse pride in, but that’s what happens when you put in the consistent time.
Fifth, I can run several miles without stopping and without pain and then change gears and stretch it out yoga style. Again, I take a lot of pride in the fact that I do a lot of different types of exercise. A lot of my peers love to hit a PR time in a race or lift 5 more pounds than they ever have and I love to celebrate them for it, ‘cause they rule. But I rule too since not everyone can do many different things.
Sixth, I am fairly modest and despite the ups and downs, most of my body will stay seen only by myself and the hubs. This one probably seems strange to include on this list, but hear me out. I am who I am and I believe that a big part of being positive about your body is knowing how you feel best showing it off (or keeping it under wraps). Don’t misunderstand, you won’t mistake me for one of the Amish that live not far from me, but I am also not the girl jogging on the treadmill in booty shorts and a sports bra.
I am sure I could come up with more reasons, but these are my biggies. The ones that I try to keep in the back of my mind when the body hate creeps in. I’d encourage everyone to come up with a list of their own and if you want to share, I love comments!
1
