In my experience self-love and body positivity go hand in hand.
Of course, it’s what’s on our INSIDES that matters most: Our spirit, our soul, our brain…our ideas, senses of humor, our idiosyncrasies, all of the little things that make US, uniquely us. These are the things that make us lovable, relatable, inspiring, encouraging, and NEEDED. Bottom line, I believe they are why we each exist in the first place.
These internal traits are what both separates AND unites us with the world at large. And while we are all different, we are also so similar that I find it both heartbreaking and hysterical at times.
“If we knew each other’ s secrets, oh what comforts we should find.” – John Churton Collins
When I was younger, I used to think of “self love” and “body positivity” as some sort of tangible destination that I might reach one day. But, it didn’t really seem reasonable. After all, I thought. Who the hell was I to be happy in my own, imperfect skin? And if I were confined to living inside of this imperfect body forever, then SURELY I couldn’t/shouldn’t/wouldn’t ever be truly fulfilled.
I looked at other people around me who seemed happy, confident, content, and fulfilled by what they had. They weren’t anxious or depressed like me. They weren’t looking in their pantry at night, wishing so badly they could eat what they wanted without guilt. They weren’t stepping on their scales at night and in the morning. They weren’t tugging at the little rolls on their belly (because SURELY, rolls they didn’t have!) and surely surely surely, only *I* was going through this.
That was then. This is NOW.
At 28 years old, I have finally had my epiphany, or “a-ha!” Moment….and it has helped me shift my thoughts around my body, loving myself, and body image.
In the fine words of best-selling author Jen Sincero, “An epiphany is a visceral understanding of something you already know.” Aka, deep down I’ve always had some kind of cellular understanding that I SHOULD love myself blindly, loudly, incredibly.
Which is why although I know this topic is highly blogged/vlogged and posted about, I feel it is in my bones to share my experience with you all.
Due to this shift in my thoughts towards my body and higher self, I have been able to manifest more joy and prosperity in my life. Consequently, I have become a better wife, daughter, and friend. As well as a stronger, more committed athlete in the gym.
I encourage you all to start doing some searching and challenging of your old thought/belief systems if you find yourself being dragged down consistently by invasive, negative thoughts.
I started making my shift when I decided to start employing a daily morning practice, which I still use to this day! Mine includes a short meditation upon waking, followed by at least 5-10 minutes of reading and then writing down affirmations before verbally reciting them aloud.
Our bodies and minds together make up one working part, and one cannot embrace or develop one without the other.
We all deserve to be confident and full of love within our minds, bodies, and souls.
DAILY AFFIRMATION:
I accept myself.
I love myself.
I am so grateful for my body that protects and takes care of me everyday.
Want more daily affirmations? Leave a comment below!
MeganLeighFitness 