Positive Body Talk

Positive affirmations, Think healthy, not skinny, Compliment freely, Surround self with the positve, Focus on what you like about yourself, no comparing, no negative talk, accept positive messages, do something nice for yourself, focus on your whole body…….all things listed by wellbeingtrust.org as ways to improve positive self image. Just reading the article was the positive task I did for myself today.

This is Shannon. She recently celebrated her 20th wedding Anniversary. It was so nice to meet Shannon. I had never worked with her and she signed up without knowing me at all. Talk about being brave! She just jumped in with the other women and went with it!

Her Favorite Body Part - legs.

Least Favorite Body Part: My legs ….yep, the same. Growing up I always had what I consider “thunder thighs” and always longed for the elusive skinny legs with a thigh gap. No matter how thin I was, my body shape makes this an unrealistic dream. But now, when I look at my legs, I see strength. These legs have helped me birth three babies. They hike mountains, swim in oceans, and most importantly, allow me to keep up with my busy children. I would not trade them.

Example of a time you felt the most beautiful. Was it because of how you looked, felt, both?

Most recently, I felt beautiful at my 20th anniversary party. I won’t deny that I felt like I looked pretty, but I was surrounded by friends (and of course my husband), which meant I was surrounded by love, which made me feel the most beautiful.

Would you rather feel or look beautiful? Why?

I would definitely rather feel beautiful! Perception is reality, and there will always be people out there that have a different version of pretty. In my older, wiser years, I have determined that their opinions of me and how I look do not matter. The only thing that matters is how I view myself, so I try to give myself grace.

What makes you feel strong?

Working out. Obviously makes me feel strong. Running, biking, lifting weights, makes me physically strong, mentally strong and emotionally strong. Mind, body and spirit.

Who/What in your life has made you feel the best about yourself? Why?

Honestly my identity was wrapped up in my profession. I was very good at what I did and took a lot of pride in that. When I had children, I quit my job. After years of dedication myself to my kids, I realized I was lost and was going through life without any real identity besides wife and mother. And despite always working out, sometimes more consistently than others, when my youngest child was a few months oldI recommitted to running. I rediscovered my passion and last calendar year I logged over 1900 miles running, with another 1,000 biking, and hours of weight lifting. I started to identify as an athlete and was able to find myself all over again. Through this discipline, I was able to let go of how others view me, and feel good about myself.

How do you see yourself? How do you think others see you?

Most of the time I see myself as a hot mess and a complete work in progress, but I always give 100% in everything I do. I hope that other people see that I am always working hard and trying my best despite my flaws.

Final image of these three beautiful souls together!