Body Image

by Meaghan

 

Rethinking the Temple

Body image in an ideal world for me would not exist. Stressing about a temple you were given seems foolish to me. Yet every day I wake up and lose my mind over how “unfortunate” my temple seems.

“Why can’t my thighs be smaller and my stomach flatter?” I think. “Why can’t my arms be toned and my face be less round?” I often wonder if anyone sees the difference that I see. Do they notice that I’ve gained weight, or is it just me? How long am I going to sabotage myself for the body that I want? When will my temple be enough for me?

Listening to the Soul

When your soul starts to speak louder than your brain, that’s when change happens. I wonder when I begin to rely on my soul as the leader of my temple, all will be well in my world. Body image in an ideal world won’t dominate my thoughts. I won’t wake up in the morning and body check to hate myself. Instead, I’ll glorify myself—saying things like, “my legs are here to help me do my job; they get me from one point to another.”

By feeding my body, I am giving it fuel, not punishing it. In an ideal world, I’ll be proud of the body I have. I will realize all that my body does for me. I’ll be thankful for the gifts it offers and the strength it gives.

A World Without Comparison

In an ideal world, body image won’t dominate advertisements. Women won’t compare themselves, but will encourage each other to rise above. Body image will take a back seat; women will love every body. Bodies will be celebrated for what they do, not what they look like.

Everyone will treat their body like a temple—preserving it, loving it, honoring it, worshipping it for the challenges it faces every day. Our bodies should be nourished, loved, and honored.

Owning My Temple

My body is a temple and deserves the best. It deserves an apology because it doesn’t need to endure hell daily to meet unrealistic beauty standards. My body serves me. It carries me where I need to go and cares for my heart and soul. It helps me gain strength and knowledge. My body radiates goodness. In an ideal world, my body would be loved.

Freedom Beyond Weight

Peace. Freedom. Mindfulness. Fun. Sleep. These are all things I can focus on if my mind isn’t trapped by weight. I could do yoga for strength instead of burning calories and leap across the dance floor and feel like I’m flying, not heavy. Also I could engage in conversations instead of obsessing in my head. I could enjoy a meal without worrying about its impact on my body.

Letting go of my focus on weight means I’d be able to live fully again. Shifting my focus inward allows me to see my strength, smarts, intellect, and courage. If I stopped focusing on weight, I’d be free—free from the chains that constantly tie me down.

Choosing Life

I’d be able to live the life I imagined instead of being weighed down. Between death and life, I choose life—and that’s why I must focus on anything but weight. From this day forward, I’ll focus on health, on living, on laughing. I can focus on yoga, dance, and photography. I’ll focus on recovery and my ability to help others. Weight will no longer define me or hold me back. My no’s will mean no, and my yes’s will mean yes. I’m choosing to say yes to life and all it has to offer.

 

Body Image Therapy: Learn to Love Your Look

 

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