Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance
At a time when we are obsessed by appearances and seduced by the power of numbers on the scale, it’s all too easy to forget just how amazing a body is, and how much it is truly capable of. Let’s put an end to the toxic focus on weight and embrace true body positivity and self-acceptance as part of a wider, healthier relationship with life.
Remember, you are more than a number:
It doesn’t matter what size or shape your body is. Your worth as a person comes from who you are – your unique personality, talents, goals, and contributions to the world.
And instead of obsessing about your physical attributes, focus on what you can DO with your body (not what it looks like). Putting your sweaty hands in the air is a thing of beauty. Moving a brick. Whooping with pleasure. Or comforting a crying child. Small miracles – thank you!
But, seriously, take care of the amazing machine we call your body: give it good food, move it regularly with whatever activities you like the most, and take care of it in good faith.
Shift focus to well-being:
What do you believe health is? It’s not just the absence of disease; it's vibrant, energetic, feeling well, feeling useful, feeling able to do that work that matters to you, that is what health is.
- Don’t move your body for weight loss: move it for joy. Choose activities you like, whether it’s dancing, swimming, or just walking in a beautiful place.
- Feed your body intentionally. Eat whole, unprocessed foods to fuel your energy and make you feel good.
- Listen to your body. Sleep, reduce stress, do things that calm your nervous system.
Embrace the beautiful diversity of bodies:
- Challenge unrealistic beauty standards. Recognize that every body is unique and deserves respect.
- Build your virtual village. Ask for support from friends and family. Surround yourself with media and communities that promote body diversity and celebrate fitness in all sizes.
- Challenge negative self-talk. Replace critical thoughts with affirmations of self-compassion and appreciation.
Remember, the journey to body positivity is a marathon, not a sprint:
- Be gentle with yourself. It’s to be expected that things will get better and sometimes worse, so celebrate your triumphs, forgive yourself your slips – and never give up.
- Surround yourself with support. See a therapist, join a body-positive community or circle of supportive individuals who are willing to be a part of your journey.
You are awesomely okay as you are. It’s time to get off the scale and rejoice in the glorious adventure of humanity. In all its wonderful variation.
Additional Resources:
- The National Eating Disorders Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
- The Body Positive: https://www.thebodypositive.org/
- Love Your Body: https://now.org/now-foundation/love-your-body/