Are you trying to lose weight or redefine your body? Do you have an ideal body image, such as you see in someone else? Sometimes people ask me “can you help me look like you?” While it’s flattering, the truth is no, I cannot, because you can only look like you. Your body is designed differently from mine. My legs might be shorter, your hips might be wider, my shoulders might be narrower, your waist might be smaller, and the comparisons go on. And when I’m asked that question, I know that people generally mean “I want to look fit” but still, it’s important to start your journey with the right mindset. While it’s great to have “fit body” image goals, make sure your ideal body image takes into consideration the number one all time most important thing – your own body! As you work towards getting fit and healthy, learn to love the shape that your body will evolve into and stop comparing yourself to others. They are nothing like you. You are unique.
I came across this blog today ‘Exposed by my children for what I really look like.” Bridgette, the author, tells a story of how she found photos of herself on her phone that her child took without her knowing. When she came across the photos, she felt disgusted with how she looked. However, when discussing the pictures with her children they revealed what they saw, which was beauty, and her daughter saying “That could be a postcard mom.” You’ll have to read the story to find out what happens next.
I love reading stories like this and thankful when people share them on facebook. It’s important to share these kinds of messages as we all know the ones the media shares messes with our minds. When I’m coaching a client and she or he begins to talk more about what they love concerning their body image and abilities and less about what they hate, I know we are moving in the right direction. I think it’s important to share these stories with my clients and followers as they are inspiring, motivating, and self-esteem building. They also bring us back to reality.
The unrealistic expectations people place on themselves to try and match what the media is producing is defeating because we can’t achieve what isn’t real, and so when we fail, we feel incompetent. We waste too much time chasing a pipe dream. What we need to realize is our bodies are all designed differently and we can’t get them to look the same as the airbrushed super model portrayed in a magazine. It’s pretty much impossible unless you want to have some surgery done. Right? While it’s great to have goals of looking “fit and toned”, that still will look different for everyone. As previously stated, some of us naturally have bigger thighs (like me), some have smaller waists, some have longer legs, and the list goes on. To try and restructure your entire body through diet and exercise to look like someone else is, well…an unrealistic goal.
It’s so important to be realistic about your personal body image goals. Be kind to yourself. Look at your body with love, speak about it positively, out loud, with a smile. Be proud of what you have and what you can do with your body.
Love the skin you’re in.
