Category: Life is good

Last Day of 09

Published on by Christine3 Comments

We had a great Christmas and I’m ready to welcome in 2010.  I went into this Christmas with a better outlook on my food choices.  It’s Christmas, there is no need to worry about the calories consumed on such a magical day.  There has to be balance, and part of that balance comes from removing guilt when you do allow yourself to enjoy foods that are thoughtfully prepared by those you love or that you have spent hours preparing.

I feel like I have taken an important step forward in finding balance.   Living a healthy lifestyle is all about balance: finding exercise you love to do and finding a new relationship with food.  I never thought I would ever say I love to exercise, but the feeling after I’m done working out is amazing.   I always walk away with a smile and a clear mind.  It’s the BEST feeling.

Most New Years are brought in with new resolves.  I’m not doing that this year. I’m going to enjoy the ride and all that I’ve learned about life this past year.   I’m looking forward to a fresh new year with new possibilities and opportunities to grow further.  It’s a blessing that I get to continue on this path with a great big smile 🙂

Happy New Year to you all!  Do you have new resolves and goals for your New Year?

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Snow Day

Published on by Christine2 Comments

I’m taking advantage of this snow day. I have the fireplace on, coffee cup in hand, and my Christmas music is on my play list.  There is something about the first big snow fall of the year, to bring the Christmas spirit into a person’s heart.  I was talking to a friend on the phone this morning, and she has me thinking.  Nothing is black and white, and every one’s journey is different.  What ties us all together is the spirit of resilience and hope. 

What I’m left thinking about is how strong she is and how bright her spirit is. I don’t think she sees that.  If only we could see ourselves through the eyes of those who love us most.  If only we could see how much our journey can help others who are on a similar path. If we could let down the walls and reach out for support, which in turn can only help others.

So here’s a bit of random thoughts that came to me as I curled up on my couch with my hot cup of coffee.  These are just my opinions! I appreciate that we are all at different stages in our lives and I have so much to learn. 🙂

1. The only person you can control is you.  You can’t control the actions of those around you. There is just YOU and there is something very freeing and powerful in that knowledge. It puts the responsibility for happiness in life squarely on our own shoulders and releases the expectations we put on others.

2.  Your thoughts shape your day.  The power of the mind to bring about hope, joy, and success is amazing.  Tap into those areas that bring you the most joy, but allow yourself to feel the pain, the loss, and the grief.  We grow through adversity, and you can not truly experience the light without also experiencing times of darkness as well.  That’s when you truly appreciate the light of hope.

 3.  We truly do not know the strength that lies within our soul.  It’s there for the taking if only we wouldn’t convince ourselves that it’s impossible.  Allow the spirit of positivity and joy into your life, and give no power to the negative.  That negativity is just lies that we allow in and prevent us from moving forward.

4. Life is meant to be lived with pride and joy.  Remind yourself often of your goals. Write them out on sticky notes and put them up where you can see them every day.  Shape your daily choices around the goals you’ve set out.

5. Be good to yourself! There is no power to be found in being down on yourself.  It creates a cycle of negativity and you deserve so much good in your life.

6. I’m a Mom, and I often forget that my kids are watching me and learning about life through my eyes. I want them to see life in the best way possible.  They deserve to have a happy Mom that is excited about life and that will raise them in that zest and respect for a life full of hope and promise. 

7.  Give yourself permission to let go of others expectations, judgments, and opinions.  They haven’t walked in your shoes. 

8. We can be the most positive thinker in the world, but without action it’s pointless.  You also have to figure out “Why” you are striving for a certain goal.   Being a certain size really isn’t a goal. Why are you setting out to be a certain size? Do you think your issues will fade away once you are a size ____?  I’ve gone through that, and speaking from my experience, the same issues follow you no matter what size you are.  I finally figured out that my goal is to live an authentic life full of joy and purpose.  Taking care of myself through exercise, eating right, sharing, and finding joy in the little things bring about changes that allow me to keep the weight off.  But without action, the results can’t possible come to fruition.  I need to put in the work which does more for my mind and spirit than it does for my body.

Well, that’s about all for now.  Happy snow day for those in my area (I hear there are many with no snow out their windows). 

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Purpose

Published on by Christine11 Comments

I have had a few revelations this week.  I’m not sure I can put them into words, but I will try!  I struggle with my body image, but when I really think about it, a more accurate statement would be that I struggle with my self-image.  I often lose who I am and who I want to be/my goals.

I was thinking back to 2002, back when I weighed close to 250 pounds.  I was a shell of a person. I wanted to fade away into the background, away from the judgements of others.  I realize today that it really had nothing to do with the opinion of others, but rather my own opinion.  I didn’t love who I was.  I knew I had it in me to be the person I wanted to be, but I had so much self-loathing that I couldn’t move forward.  

What changed for me?  I took one little step forward.  One step towards treating myself well.  A step that was for me and no one else.  Those little steps took over, and I started feeling pride in myself; something I had really never felt before.  I wasn’t living up to my potential and I had no idea what my potential was. I stayed in this little “I can’t do it” bubble…never challenging myself for fear of failure.  What I didn’t understand, was my self-loathing was attached to the knowledge that I was failing myself everyday I stayed on that couch and with every bit of bingeing on the wrong foods that I did.

I have been struggling recently with what my purpose is.  And, the feelings that I felt those years ago came back.  I realized it has nothing to do with what I weigh. It’s how I’m feeling inside.  I’ve felt that same self-loathing lately.  Why? Because I am not honouring my goals.  My focus has shifted. I am not proud of myself. 

When you can get up in the morning and look yourself in the mirror and feel pride for what you are doing in life, there is no better joy.  I have spent the last little while, down on myself and there is no power to be found when you are in that place.  As a mom, wife, photographer, etc. I have put everyone else first and have avoided taking care of myself. I have avoided relationships that are important to me because I feel like I am failing.

So, I know the root of many of my food/exercise issues start in my heart. I need to love myself, and remind myself daily of my goals.  I need to focus on my purpose in life. I need to be proud of who I am.  I feel my purpose is to help others that are stuck in this same place. It’s what fuels my desire to move forward as well.  I need to feel that I am giving back all that I had taken for granted in life. I want to share joy where I had once found little.  I can see so much power, but also deep hurt within so many people who are also struggling and have lost who they are.  I can see it so clearly, their bright beautiful spirit, and my wish is that they could see it too.  

My favourite quote.

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” George Bernard Shaw

I need to love who I see in the mirror.  I feel fortunate that I have found the path that can make that a reality if only I would take a moment and honour my goals and take action.  To be thankful and live my life through gratitude and true joy for life and all it has to offer.   There is true power in living a life of joy, purpose, and gratitude.

I recently started a “Reclaiming Life” group on facebook.  It has been a great source of motivation and inspiration for me and I hope for others as well.  It’s an open group, so if you feel it can help you move forward, please join in!  Finding a support network is so important.  Sometimes it’s not easy admitting that we need help from others, but the support is there for the taking. 🙂

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=179437799538

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Finding YOU again

Published on by Christine4 Comments

As a busy Mom, I often lose who I am.  I know I’ve talked about his before, but it’s an issue that I struggle with on a daily basis.  When I don’t feel in control of my activity and what I chose to eat, it really does translate into all areas of my life.  I think the biggest blessing that has come from taking better care of myself, is the feeling of being in control and there is great pride that accompanies that.  That feeling transfers down into all areas of everyday life. 

I have chosen a different way to view life than what comes naturally to me.   For example, every day mundane tasks have to power to annoy the life out of me!  Making several trips walking the kids to school every day, having to park far away in a busy parking lot, getting groceries at night when I would rather be vegging on my couch, all annoy me if the truth be told.  All I have to do is tell myself that each of these little tasks, are just another way to stay active!  So I chose to park farther away in an empty parking lot, take the longest possible route to get bread at the grocery store, and walk instead of drive to the school.  Because every extra step matters.  It makes me want to do more!  It keeps me from the comfort of my couch.   It makes me want to break out into spontaneous dance when I’m down. I have no rhythm so it’s more awkward flailing than actual dancing.

When I think back to the most depressing part of being stuck at a weight I wasn’t happy with, it was that I felt so bad about myself. I felt trapped, lethargic, and every day tasks overwhelmed me. I felt like life was passing me by and I had a hard time getting out of bed in the morning knowing that those feelings were on the top of my mind. 

I wasn’t eating healthy. I was eating a lot of fried foods with no nutritional value.  I had no energy.  I remember coming home from work during the lunch hour and just wanting to sleep for the hour.  I had a hard time climbing the stairs at work. By the top, I was out of breath and ready to sit down!   Eating a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins not only keeps you healthy and gives you natural antibodies to fight off sickness, but it gives you so much energy.  It fills you up in a way that doesn’t weigh you down.

Making positive little choices in your day, leads to more positive choices.  The best part about it is YOU get to make those choices for yourself.  You are in control of what you chose to eat, and how much activity you add into your day.

If you feel lost or out of control, look inside and make that choices needed to treat yourself well.  Your body was designed to be fueled with natural foods.   There is a reason processed food doesn’t grow on trees. 

You will find YOU again if you’ve lost your way.   Positivity, pride and strength open the mind up and you can’t help but transfer those blessings into other areas of your life.  

I’m going to also put this out there.  I’m not always sure if what I share here are too broad of ideas! Are they tangible?  If you ever have any questions that you think I may help you with, please e-mail me at cjhop (at) telus (dot) net or leave me a comment.  If I can help in any way by lending advice on what to eat, exercising, or if you need someone to talk to I’m here for you.  

I remember a time when I was driving home from work, thinking I wish there was someone out there that understood how I was feeling and could help in some small way.  I felt so stuck and totally at a loss as to how to move forward.  I’m here for you if you are in that same space.  I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do know what has worked for me.  Most of it starts in your mind and heart, so any program such as weight watchers can work.  You are more powerful than you may know.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

The Power of the Mind

Published on by Christine5 Comments

I am guilty of wanting to be in a place other than where I am right now.  I fall into the trap both in my personal life and in my professional life.  Before a photography session, I will sometimes surf blogs for inspiration, but what often happens is I’m left feeling like my work is “crap” and I have so far to go.  This is also true when it comes to body image.  I can’t help but surf the magazines when waiting in line at Safeway (I manage to always find the slowest line in Safeway, even if I lane-hop…I always lose that game).  On the cover of most magazines is a perfectly airbrushed model with a million dollar smile, and promises of quick fixes if only you drink shakes for 2 out of 3 meals. 

When you are always looking ahead to where you wish you could be, it’s pretty hard to live in the moment.   At the beginning of this journey, the realization that I should probably lose around 100 pounds was daunting and totally overwhelming.  It was tough not to want to resign myself that being unhappy with my weight was something I would always be.  It’s enough to make you want to throw in the towel before you’ve even started.  That’s where self-sabotage comes in. If you really don’t believe it’s a manageable goal, than you start putting obstacles in your way and convince yourself it just isn’t meant to be. 

 If you could look at it as a journey and enjoy the process without constantly wishing you were at the proverbial “end” you would begin to be proud of little changes.  Because it’s through a series of little changes that lead to big changes.  Set out manageable small goals, and be proud when you reach them.  I remember feeling so down on myself when I would only lose one little itty bitty pound.  Now, if I gained a pound, it was crushing.   Why is it that the feeling of pride isn’t matched to the feeling of defeat?  It’s the same pound we are talking about here, but this pound really only feels huge when it’s gained.

Here’s the difference:

I go to the running track and run 2 laps, walk 1 lap.  

Rather than: I wish I could run more than 2 laps.

I prefer to think of it like this: I ran 2 laps! There was a time when I couldn’t run 1/2 a lap.  Each time I challenge myself I can only get better.

I try on a pair of once-loose jeans that I now struggle to pour myself into.

Rather than:  Forget it! Where’s that bag of Doritos? It’s so depressing trying on clothes that don’t fit!

I prefer to think of it like this:  Dear too tight jeans, I am going to eat healthier & exercise and will try you on again in a month. You are merely a bench marker for the work I’m going to put in.

I often dream of where I want to go in my photography, and get lost in where I am right at this moment.  It’s always good to dream, but sometimes you have to step back and take a look if it’s something that is preventing you from moving forward because the end goal is too big.  Strip it back to little goals, and never forget to feel the sense of pride and accomplishment when you reach each little step along the journey.  

The greatest thing about chosing a healthier lifestyle is the feeling that comes along with it.  When you are treating yourself well, the feeling that comes along with it is so good.

You bring in what you give out.  Do you agree with this theory?  I believe this is true with your thoughts. 

Negative in, negative out. 

Positive in, positive out. 

It really does start a cycle of either positivity or negativity depending on what you are bringing in.  The GREAT part about it is that you have the power to create exactly who you want to be. One little itty bitty step at a time.  Do not give in to the feeling of defeat before you’ve even started!  Move forward and celebrate your successes, however small they may be. 

When you decide to start on your path, it should be exciting! There is so much to learn about yourself and life.  Live in that excitement.  Put out exactly what you wish to take in.  Sometimes we aren’t even aware of the negativity we are putting out there.  Sometimes it’s the mind that needs to be changed first.

The Strength of the Human Spirit

Published on by Christine5 Comments

“The deeper the dark, the closer the dawn. However profound the suffering that envelops you, never forget the inner spark of hope and courage. Never lose the capacity to wait with patient enduring”

Daisaku Ikeda

 

This week I have seen the power and strength of the human spirit in so many woman who have come into my life.  After publishing the “Moving Past Shame”post, I wasn’t sure what would come of it.  Women started to share their pain, their stories, and their past with me.  I was asked a few times what made me post such a private event in my life and the answer is…I don’t know.  I really don’t.  I went to bed one night and as I was trying to sleep, the same thought kept going over and over in my mind…to share the experience.  I decided that if I woke up and still felt strongly that I should post about it, then I would.  I was shocked to feel the same way after I had a good night’s sleep. 

I am amazed at the strength of the human spirit.  To move forward in life through pain, and suffering, and make it to a place of acceptance and reverence for life and the human spirit is such a blessing. 

 There are many that have gone through far worse things than I have gone through, so I do hope you understand that I don’t pretend to know what true loss is.  I don’t. I can only draw from my own experiences and in doing so hope that something I have decided to share will help someone else move forward.  That has always been my goal whenever I hit the publish button on this blog.

These past few days since I published my last post, I have really struggled with the knowledge that there is no going back after you stand in the truth.  It’s out there.  There is something equally scary and freeing all at the same time within that knowledge.

I continue to believe that it’s important to  give back what you have been given in life and I’ve had the fortune of drawing support from some very strong and giving people.  Sometimes we forget how much power is within human connection and compassion.   How much power there is within a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a smile, or a hug.

Life is scary sometimes.  But live in the knowledge that no matter what stage you are going through, you are loved. You are cherished. You will get through it with the support and love from those around you.  And if you are standing beside someone that is struggling, live in the knowledge that you are making a difference in their life by giving your love and support.  Know that down the road when they are able to, they will remember your giving heart and give back to someone else that enters their life.  The cycle of human kindness, strength, and spirit is alive and well.  I thank God for that.

After that night at camp, I will always remember my friends and family standing by me.  One memory that is so clear to me was going to visit my friend Leanne at her home a few days after camp.  She was just going to bed, and her light was already off. I have this memory of opening the door to her room and as the light from the hall hit her, I could see she had been crying.  She was crying for me and all I was trying to deal with.  She didn’t have to say anything.  She just hugged me and cried.  I felt such compassion and love from her, so much so that this memory is as clear as day to me 18 years later.

I’m not sure where I’m going with this today, just got the urge to follow-up on my past blog post.  Thank you for the support.  I appreciate it.  As always, I’m here to give support to you as well! 

 

 

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Moving Past Shame

Published on by Christine29 Comments

I am not a positive person by nature, but I try to be.  I have come from what can only be described as dark days, and having lived through those, I need to be positive.

My weight started climbing in high school.  I can pinpoint the time actually.  Although I had always been the bigger girl in school, I never really struggled with it until my mid-teens.

Looking back on the event that really traumatized me, I am not sure what you would call it.  Rape?  Taken advantage of?  I was a virgin, and was naive.  I was at bible camp, and me and a few friends went for a walk away from the camp to the public beach…something we shouldn’t have done  We met up with some boys (they were 19, we were 15) whom we had met earlier at the camp. The boys knew a couple people at the summer camp I was attending and had come earlier in the week to visit them (the boys were not part of the camp in any way).  They were quickly asked to leave when they started blaring ACDC’s “Money Talks” out of their truck window.  To this day, every time I hear that song, I’m taken back to that first meeting.

Long story short. That night I wandered away from camp down to the public beach I had my first drink, and it really only took 2 or 3 to get me wasted.  The guys were on that public beach and had a cooler full of drinks, music blasting, and welcomed us to sit with them.  The camp director after figuring out we were gone, came looking for us.  He saw that we had been drinking and asked the guys to drive us back to the camp. The camp director knew the guys somewhat, they were from his home town. To this day as a caretaker of children, that’s one thing that I don’t understand.  Why would he have asked him to drive us back to the camp?

We got into their truck, and rather than returning to camp, they stopped at a gravel pit to “party”.  The driver, we’ll call him A., asked me to go look for firewood with him.  Away from everyone else, he took advantage of me.  I didn’t even understand really what was going on. I was drunk, naive, and scared.  I remember mumbling “No, No, No” over and over again.  It was there in a gravel pit that I lost my innocence. His friend called out for him, and he told me to get up and get into the truck.  They dropped us off at the camp gates, and A. looked at me, asked me for my number, and then laughed and told us to get out of the truck.  We stumbled drunk back up the hill to the camp hall and I struggled to tell the camp nurse what had just happened, because truthfully I didn’t really understand what had happened.

After figuring out what had happened, the nurse thought it best that I sleep away from my friends in the “sick room”.  No taking me to a hospital, no calling the police, no talking about it further.  I was left to sit alone in a room trying to figure out what had happened in my young, naive, and still intoxicated mind.

After returning home from camp, I was left to explain to my parents that I was no longer a virgin.  There was so much shame involved, that I decided to go to a Christian boarding school away in Saskatchewan. My parents supported my decision as they knew I didn’t want to face a life of hushed whispers in the halls of my high school.  From there I made a series of bad decisions, and cared little about my future.  I really am thankful I graduated.  Thankful for my friends, family, and teachers who helped me along the way.

A few other equally major life changing events followed in the years soon after.  None of which I care to share because it doesn’t really matter. I am not defined by my past, but I am stronger because of it.  To me, the event at bible camp was the catalyst that started the quest for trying to find myself again.

It took me until I was 28 years old to figure out that I needed to find my way again.  I had to grow up before I was ready to.  The only regret was that I didn’t get to make that decision for myself.  I didn’t get to decide when I was ready.

I only share this with you today, because I know how many of us have suffered tragedy in our lives.  We have lived through pain that we want to stuff down with something…whatever your drug of choice may be.  Mine just happened to be food.

Coming from a very negative space, I find positivity so refreshing. I can’t go back to those dark days.  I won’t.  That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t deal with the ghosts of your past, it just means that you rise above it.  You cope and heal from within, you share, you grow, you appreciate all you have in life.

I have so much in life to be thankful for.  All of which I wouldn’t have if my path didn’t lead the way it did in life.

So, I am sharing this with you because I am thankful for where I am..right now.  I am thankful for all the people who have come into my life, through photography, through my community, and through this blog.

Maybe sharing this isn’t wise because it changes how people may perceive me…perhaps like a victim; However,  I am choosing (most recently) not to attach shame to my past.  I am so sick of feeling shame over events that were out of my control. You grow the most through adversity.  I am thankful for that.

If you are reading this and identify with these words, feel free to send me a comment. I appreciate the comments and support that have come through this blog, and as always I am here to support you as well.  It is my hope that we can come together and support, motivate, and inspire one another: all in the quest for living the best life possible. One filled with pride, joy, and fulfillment because life is so good.  🙂

From my heart to yours,
Christine

Finding Your Passion in Life

Published on by Christine3 Comments

Quite a few years ago, when filling out a form for school, there was a blank for “Your Interests”.  I stared at it blankly, and then thought “oh crap, I have no interests”.   I never really realized that I had little interests outside of normal day-to-day responsibilities.  My mission after that point was to find something to fill in that blank. 

It’s tough to make time for yourself when life is so busy with all the things one has to do, but it’s important.  For me living a healthy lifestyle is about balance, and living life with purpose and passion.   Do you know what your passion is?  It’s that special something that you can get lost in and lose track of time when you are doing it.  It feeds the mind and soul. 

So often we leave our needs last over our loved one’s needs.  As a Mom it’s important to put my kids first, but why is there guilt attached to doing something for myself once and awhile?  A good mom is a happy mom.  I realize this even more so as my kids grow up and responsibilities mount.  

For me, this was a big part in why I gained the extra weight.  There was an emptiness within myself that I couldn’t fill.  When I found photography, I found something that was so fulfilling, and rewarding.  Photography absolutely is food for my soul.

The other side of losing the weight, was finding the balance between being obsessed with the number that popped up on the scale, rather than enjoying the journey and being content with my progress.  I still battle with this daily, and although it keeps me from being complacent with my health, I have to remember it’s the journey and not the destination.  Because guess what? I realized you never really feel finished. 

So I was reminded today, and through out this thanksgiving week-end to remember that my goal is to love the life I’m living and to make my choices honouring that goal.  It’s not about being a certain size or number on the scale, it’s about finding your passions, goals, and treating yourself with respect and honour.  Your choices will just naturally take the best path for you if you are striving to treat yourself well. 

Even the smallest things can turn your day around.  A good talk with a close friend, your favourite music blasting through out your house, a walk or run in the park (don’t forget to enjoy the scenery), a nice long hot bath with candles, a hug from those you love most…all have the power to bring joy to your heart.  Take in those little moments and enjoy them.  Really enjoy them.

It’s not selfish to find your passion in life.  It’s necessary.  You are not defined by your role in your day-to-day life.  You have the power within yourself to etch out the best life possible even when life deals you a horrible hand.  Find that special something that brings happiness to your heart and run with it.  Set out manageable and attainable goals that you can reach, and enjoy the pride that comes along with that. 

Life is too short to live in a cloud of uncertainty…always waiting for circumstances to change so you can really live it.  Live it now.  Feel pride, joy, and fulfillment now.  Don’t wait. 

From my thankful heart to yours,

Christine

Thankful

Published on by Christine3 Comments

With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s a good time to look at life with a thankful heart.  There is so much in life to be thankful for.  So, as is tradition with my family before diving into a turkey coma, I’m going to take a moment and just be thankful.

I am thankful for my 3 kids.  They truly are food for my soul.  Through times of frustration and days that are overwhelming, they still look up at me with puppy dog eyes and tell me I’m the best Mom ever.

I am thankful for my husband who continues to make me laugh through all of life’s ups and downs.  He also lets me read at night while he tries to fall asleep even though my bedside light is annoyingly bright and his is so dim you couldn’t possibly read a book (I bought the wrong wattage of bulb at IKEA).  He stands behind me even when he knows I’m at fault.  He loves me just the way I am.  He lets me talk his ear off even though I can see him trying to watch the hockey game through the corner of his eye.

I’m so thankful for my large funny family.  Both Jamie’s side of the family, and my side of the family are just good, funny, and kind people.  You can’t pick your family, but if I could I would pick them all.   I am thankful I have two beautiful Moms: my own Mom and my Mother-in-law who is just like a Mom to me.  And I am fortunate to have two incredible Dads too: my own Dad and my Father-in-law (who I was scared of at first, but I can’t imagine why as he’s such a kind-hearted soul).

I am so thankful for my friends.  They ground me and are there to share in not only life’s successes, but also life’s failures and they do so with their kind & funny (border line sarcastic) words over a cup of coffee or a cocktail. 🙂

I am thankful for this new lease on life that I’ve found.   Life just is a whole lot brighter when lived with passion and purpose.

I am thankful for my camera.  I love photography so much and I’m thankful that photography has brought so many amazing people into my life.  I get to capture love, there isn’t anything better than that.

So happy Thanksgiving!  What are you thankful for?

Thankfully yours,

Christine

Cookie Cutter Body

Published on by Christine20 Comments

Yesterday on my facebook status, I asked people if they were either happy or unhappy with their body image.  I wasn’t sure what the results would be.  Of the 38 women that responded, the results were this…

66% unhappy

18% happy

16% on their way to being happy

I didn’t count my vote, which would probably be with the 16% which are on their way to being happy with their body image.  Even after years of working on it, it’s an issue I continue to struggle with.  Progress…not perfection (as my friend Ginette used to tell me).

Why aren’t we happy with ourselves?

sept12__004 web

Is it pressure from society to be a certain size and weight?  The elusive cookie cutter woman…

In my humble opinion, the only way we can move away from this is to worry less about what everyone else thinks we should be, and look within ourselves.  Which is funny, because as the results show, most people aren’t happy with their body image. So the girl beside you who looks like she has a body you would kill for probably isn’t happy with her body either.

What is your goal? One of my friends said she was happy with how she looks, but unhappy with her current fitness level.  So her goal is to run and bike easily.  I think that’s awesome!  That’s a goal that she is able to achieve.  It’s not about being a size ___.

I thought about what I don’t like about my own body yesterday.  I don’t like my tummy rolls, and although I can certainly work on that, I got this tummy from having three kids.  My tummy rolls are totally worth it.  Guess what? Most women that have children have the same tummy I do.

Life should be lived with pride.  Throughout my life, I have always looked ahead to the next stop rather than living in the moment. I can’t wait until I fit into that pair of jeans that have sat lonely on my closet shelf.  I can’t wait to tone my arms so I can wear a strapless dress that hangs in my closet.   Guess what, that strapless dress fits me now..toned arms or not.  I’m going to wear it.

The goal to be fit and healthy has nothing to do with being a certain size.   If you aren’t happy with your body image, I believe the solution is to be good to you.  If only we could see ourselves through the eyes of those who love us most, we would treat ourselves with the respect we deserve.  Really look within and ask yourself what part of it is something you can do something about, and what part of it is because you are looking to the outside world to dictate what you should be.  What parts of your behavior is destructive, and what parts will bring growth into your life.

I can switch my body image issue in one day.  One day I can feel horrible about myself because of the food choices I made, or because I’m a lump on the couch still in my pj’s sporting yesterday’s hair do.  The next day I can feel like a million bucks because I’ve taken great care of myself.   For me, this is what living a healthy lifestyle has brought to my life.  It’s given me my self-respect back and the willingness to keep going, to treat myself well.  To be proud of what I can do, and to stop living life on the side-lines.

I’m really curious what your take on this issue is.  Share your comments, stories, and thoughts here.

One thing that struck me from the results of the little poll, was how many of us deal with this issue…no matter what size you are.  So there are a lot of us in the same boat.  Don’t you just wish we could all just be honest with one another and let go of that cookie cutter mold many of us are striving for?  There is something so beautifully freeing in that.  It actually makes me feel giddy inside.

Share, talk, look within, and live your life with your head held high. You are beautiful, loved, and so worth it.

Christine