Your body is not your enemy
Let’s take a little quiz together. Don’t worry, you don’t need to study for this one!
Do you think negatively about your body from time to time?
Do you compare your body with another person’s? And if so, does this make you feel better or worse about yourself?
Do you see pictures of yourself on social media and worry about what other people may think?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone. We all do this. Our society is obsessed with image. Just look at the hundreds of phone apps that exist to create the best social media image possible.
On one hand, it’s understandable. We all want to be liked and let our best sides shine. But there’s a dark side to this, too.
How many “likes” does it take to prove that you are worth something?
Hopefully zero, but that’s a real mental battle. In fact, sometimes it seems like we’d all rather look perfect from afar — rather than let anyone know the real us.
Is your body your enemy or your teammate?
Back in my health coaching and personal training days, I spent a lot of my day listening to people talk about the way they look. People come to me because they want toned muscles, to lose weight or to alleviate a health problem. I noticed a sad trend: Treating our bodies with disgust and shame is the norm. Some people even think that focusing on their body’s flaws will help them make healthier choices. You’ve probably seen health and fitness ads that say stuff like this:
“Want to look like her? Drink this weight-loss smoothie!”
“Getting a perfect body will finally make you happy.”
“Beat your body into submission at our workout class!”
“Hunger is just a feeling. Don’t listen to it.”
This type of negativity leads us to believe that our body is the enemy, rather than the amazing teammate that it really is. After all, our bodies allow us to live and do all the things that bring us joy!
My advice? Treat your body like you would a friend — with kindness and care. Be grateful for the unique body you’ve been given and show it respect by making healthy choices.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel your best. In fact, it’s incredibly empowering to set and achieve health and fitness goals. Just remember that your body is worth so much more than the image it projects. YOU are worth more than that.
Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” The Lord loves you just as you are. Don’t let the body He created uniquely for you fill you with shame. Because it's a gift.
What healthy really looks like
We all have tough days. It's natural to feel inferior or anxious about the way we look from time to time. But when those moments come and all you can think about is your body’s flaws, try looking into the mirror and saying the following:
“Thank you.
Thank you for breathing, moving, and carrying me to where I am today.
I would not be alive if you did not work.
I respect you and your dreams.
As proof, I will give you food that helps you feel and function best.
I will dress you in clothing that makes you feel confident and valuable.
I will create a lifestyle that allows you to rest, move, and connect with people in a healthy manner.”
A truly healthy lifestyle is one that displays gratitude and respect for the life you’ve been given.
Don’t let shame or body image have power over your life choices. Respect your body and respect your dreams. Know that your body is not your enemy.
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Laura Bocianski is a writer and podcast producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. She writes on everything from personal development, humor, to advertising. Her latest podcast project, Invisible Lions, will be available in November 2020. Keep up with Laura on instagram @lauraboach or visit her website, lauraboach.com.