Stop Waiting To Get The “Perfect” Body To Live Your Life

 

“You can’t hate yourself into a version of yourself you love.” – Lori Deschene

For some, they believe that the only way to be happy, loved, or accepted is to have the “perfect” body. The “perfect body” being defined as the unrealistic standard that the world idealizes as being easily attainable for every person. Some attributes on the (long) list consist of: no cellulite, toned arms, round butt, visible abs, small waist, and no stretch marks. While diverse bodies are becoming more apparent in the fitness and beauty industry, it can be hard for women to move past the countless years of messaging telling them to change their body. People hope that if they fix the way they look on the outside that it will finally make them love themselves on the inside.

However, without focusing on addressing the root of one’s lack of self-love, even if someone gets to “it” (their dream size), they will often find that it still isn’t enough. They will still struggle with accepting who they are because our mind affects why we engage in certain behaviors. If we don’t value ourself, how can we expect to truly make decisions that enhance our overall well-being. Health isn’t only a physical endeavor.

Having good mental and emotional health is vital. 

Every day is a blessing and life is too short to wait to fully live it until you “have made it”. As much as you may think hating your body will motivate you into changing it, beating yourself will actually get you further from your goals.

Wear the shorts, rock the workout set, ask for a promotion, go on dates, take that beach trip, eat the piece of cake… do what you thought you “couldn’t” do because of the way you look. Once you do these things, you will realize that the fear you had will be diminished and you don’t need to hide from the world.

When you wear shorts, no one will judge you for those normal, beautiful bumps that show you’re human.

When you wear the bikini — no one will talk badly about you or love you less.

When you finally ask for a promotion — you’ll realize that your skills are what matter, not the way you look.

Next time you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, try replacing it with self-compassion. Remind yourself that time is precious and you don’t deserve to live in a constant battle with yourself. In your health journey, start healing from within first in order to help you find the point where you feel good (NOT stressed) about exercising & eating.

The best self-love tip:

Ask yourself if you would say the same thing you’re saying to yourself to a loved one or friend. Be kind to your mind.