How I Learned To Love My Body

I think in general people are very critical of themselves, me included.  We all come in different shapes and sizes and we recognize that we are all different, but we still try to obtain someone else’s body.  We want to be taller and skinner so we can look a certain way. We want an athlete’s body or a ballerina’s body so that we can perform the activities they can.  Most of us want someone else’s body so much that we forget to love our own body, well at least that’s how I feel.

I am 29 and is 5 feet tall.  My weight stays about the same, but fluctuations 10-15 pounds.  I was never an active child, and even into my early adulthood years, I didn’t do much exercise either.  I remember saying I wish I can do this and that but I’m too fat and short. Maybe, it’s maturity, but boy, was I ever foolish to think that way.  I have learned to love my body, and I am going to tell you why.

My Body Is Powerful

Age of 27 was the most active year for me, and it was the year I discovered how powerful my body was.  Some of you may have heard of the Grouse Grind. It’s an incredibly steep hike, or some would call it Man Made Stairmaster.  When I first started this hike in the summer, it took me 1 hour and 27 min, and after doing a few more times throughout the summer, I ended with 1 hour and 28 seconds.  This achievement helped me recognize that my body is powerful and I can do much more.

The moral of the story is not to make an assumption of your body’s inabilities until you try it. Hence, I love my body because it is reliable, capable and powerful.

My Body Is Capable of Change

I practice yoga, and it has taught me that my body can learn to change through persistence, consistency, and patience.  I remember the first time attending a yoga class, the feeling of intimidation and awe for the other yoga practisers. I was thinking, my body is not flexible and strong to work in those poses.  These people were bending in weird shapes, and some were doing headstands, I’m like “Wow.” Well, I am still practicing yoga, and I can say I can do some of these poses now. I now know that my body will continue to be a work in progress and with a little more effort it will continue to get better.  

So, for all the readers, try out an activity you don’t think you can do.  You will be amazed by what your body is able to do!

It’s All In Your Mindset

“Your body is a strong machine, but you got to fuel it with a powerful mind.” – Gymaholic.  

It’s always what I think I can’t do that I don’t do.  Your mindset plays a crucial role in how you feel about your body.  If you believe that your body is incapable of doing something, then you’re probably right.  You have already had a mindset that you can’t, so, you’re naturally unwilling to try. You have also given up trust in your body.  We only have one body, if you don’t trust and believe in your body, then you will never learn to love your body. You will end up just hoping and wishing on something that is intangible

So, all in all, why I love my body is because I know my body is a powerful machine and can adapt to change.  I can do more than all the things I say I can’t do, it just takes persistence, consistency, and patience to get there. The key is to think positively with your mind, and your body will do wonders.  

So, do you guys love your body?  If you do, great! If not, take the time to ask yourself why not? What will you do about it to change it?  Remember we only have one body.

Bye World,

Serena