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Struggle with Body Image
For the past year or so there have been some huge changes in my life. I entered into a loving, safe relationship. I’ve struggled with negative self-talk for as long as I can remember. This stems from not having a healthy bond with my mom. Patterns of toxicity can be traced back to the messages that we receive in childhood. The message of “not being enough” rang loud and clear throughout my childhood bleeding into my adulthood for so long until I sought help. That being said, I’ve been noticing that I’ve been really harsh on myself lately. To be honest, I’ve gained the relationship weight. I’m so happy ya’ll, so much so my body can’t hide it! I didn’t use to have an issue with my body before but now I notice that my clothes are fitting differently. I’ve been thinking some pretty mean things to myself and it’s not fair. I knew that when I entered my mid-life that my body would change. This SHOULD be celebrated! The human body is amazing and we shouldn’t be shamed into feeling terrible about ourselves under any circumstance!
Mirror Work & Positive Affirmations
I began to undo this negative re-wiring by noticing and appreciating the things that I did like about my new body. I began to enjoy the way that my clothes fit. My partner has helped me to celebrate my curves which is a big boost. When your partner changes, finding a way to appreciate the change can be a way for you two to grow closer together. I have started the process of mirror work. I take time to stand in the mirror and model. I say positive phrases. I tell myself that I appreciate my body and what it does for me. This process is not easy. Some days I cry because I am still adjusting. Tears are perfectly okay. Your body is a vessel that is sacred. If you love something, you elevate the value it has in your life. We should treat ourselves in this manner. Trust the process. Continue to find new reasons to love yourself. You can still be a work in progress and LOVE all of yourself. The relationship you have with yourself is the most important relationship that you will ever have. The relationship that you have with yourself will set the tone for how everyone else in your life will treat you. Find those people who will uplift you. It is entirely up to you whether or not you feel motivated enough to make changes. I noticed the changes and I decided to do something about what I saw in the mirror. I’m taking an aggressive stance on loving myself more as a result. When you’re tempted to think negatively of yourself, interrupt the negativity with gratitude. Address what you don’t like about yourself and why. Challenge your negative thoughts. IF you don’t like the way you look, be open to making changes to reach a new level of being. Embrace progression, not perfection. Be willing to get uncomfortable. Lastly, share your story with others, you never know who you may impact!
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This post is republished on Medium.
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