Body Positive.
Its a concept I came across on instagram when I stumbled upon the account "bodyposipanda" (seriously, look this chick up.) She had one of those ever beloved, transformation Tuesday, "motivational", before and after pictures. On the left, was a slender, fit, obviously very attractive-to-all-the-guys girl. And on the right, was a girl who was chubby. She had belly rolls, thigh fat, a slight double chin...this was her "after". And hands down she looked worlds happier than in her "before." And honestly, even more beautiful in my opinion, because happiness adds that kind of beauty.
Post after post she talks about how happiness isn't a number on the scale. You don't reach happiness when you reach a certain size, weight, or goal. If you're not happy right now, with the body you already have, you won't be happy when you get the body you think you want. It's such a simple concept. It's so true. And at that moment, I decided I was going to stop trying to lose the weight.
Being body positive, loving your body, and being happy with your body isn't saying "I love my body the way it is" and then eating whatever you want. Loving your body still means taking care of it. It still means eating good for you foods, and giving it exercise, because that's part of loving it. But the other part of loving your body, is loving it, even if it never changed ever again. For better or for worse. When I look in the mirror now, I'm not looking to see how skinny something makes me look or feel, but instead I'm looking to see if I like the style I'm trying out that day. I'm deciding on the color of something, making sure it's modest, and comfortable, rather than how my belly looks in it. I'm not 100% there yet, because I still don't like my belly, chubby thighs, or double chin, but I am learning to love these things about me, because they may never ever change. I don't exercise or eat well to lose weight, I exercise and eat well because I want to love my body and take care of it. But I'm not going to kill myself with either, because I love my body and I want to take care of it.
I want to be healthy, but that's the other thing this girl talks about: mental health. Psychical health has become socially more important than mental health. If you're fit, active, toned, have good eating habits, etc. you're considered "healthy" even though your mental health may be toxic. See, I get that. I love my mom so much, but she has suffered from an eating disorder off and on all through her life. Her mom is the same way. Even still they have had terribly unhealthy habits. Making unwise food choices: eating too much or too little. They are never satisfied with their bodies. Always and forever "ten more pounds". "once my body changes I will be happy."
No, happiness isn't at the end of my taco, but it also isn't at the end of your kale. Be healthy. Be happy.
Xo, Ellen
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