Dear Readers,

Growing up I’ve always been at a normal weight, never over weight & never obese. In my adolescence I was discontented with my body (as most teens are, but don’t have any real reason to be.) I always wished to be taller & thinner. I admired & even envied celebrities who seemed to have the “perfect” body. As a teenager & all the way through my young adult days I worked out pretty regularly & was physically fit, but I was still not happy with the way I looked.

 

I am now in my mid-twenties, married to the love of my life & we have a beautiful 3- month-old daughter. To say the least, my body has definitely changed since my teen years. My weight has gone up & down. My foot size has actually grown a half size. My height… Has stayed the same. And I love the way I look! Who knew that all it would take to love my body was to have a baby. Oddly enough, I’ve embraced my curves, scars, & imperfections altogether.

 

Now I know I’m not the only one who’s struggled with being content with my physical appearance. Whether it’s your facial features, height, weight, etc. maybe you were like me – not happy with your physical appearance. You’re not alone. According to dosomething.org, over 90% of women are unhappy with their bodies. And according to statistics found from health.usnews.com there’s up to 40% amount of men who share the same lack of confidence as women do. (Statistics may vary depending on where one lives or depending on the person’s lifestyle.) These high percentages of folks contemplate or maybe even opt for plastic surgery to alter the way they look. In the end, the surgeries or changes they go through may not even bring them the satisfaction they desired.

 

I know people who are completely consumed with their physical appearance that it’s literally all they talk about. It’s exhausting just hearing about their “cheat day” feasts or hearing about how many pounds they lost since yesterday, or how they didn’t get to work out all week. I believe in being healthy & having a good balance to your eating habits, but I don’t believe it should be consuming each aspect of your life.

 

How can one truly embrace their physical appearance? Is it even possible? Well, here’s what I found to be helpful in my life:

 

– There’s more to life than just focusing on your self. Don’t waste your time fixated on the physical, because that’s not going to last. Focus on things that will bring a greater reward: making memories with loved ones, investing your energy into people around you, picking up a new hobby, etc.

 

– Your body has a greater purpose than just “looking good.” Think about all the things your body can do: care for someone, help others, invest in those around you, etc. I found my greater purpose in carrying my child for 9 months & caring for her for the past 3 ½ months. I absolutely love motherhood! It has given my body purpose. My body may not be what it used to be pre-baby, but those things don’t matter to me anymore. I love my body & proud of what God has enabled me to do for my child & I.

 

– God makes all things beautiful in His time (Ecc.3:11a.) Try a physical fitness regimen that’ll work out for your schedule. You’ll find that you’ll feel better after a jog or even half an hour of cardio. Try meal planning & taking steps towards healthy, conscious eating. If it’s really a fit body you want, just know it’s not going to happen overnight. It’ll take discipline, commitment & time.

PS: (DISCLAIMER) I am not a fitness instructor nor am I a health advisor. This blog was written out of personal opinion & experience.

 

Sincerely,

Abi