Our Own Worst Enemies
April 20, 2006When it comes to criticizing our bodies and weight, nobody is a match for our own inner voices, which have become the experts at knowing just what to say to cut us to the quick.
How often do you hear this voice of criticism? What does it say? In the past, mine has used words and phrases like "fat loser", "huge, giant failure" and "ugly". It’s so strange- I’ve come so far when it comes to my self-esteem, but my weight lingers as the one thing that makes me feel "less than" as a person.
But maybe it’s time we cut ourselves a little slack. Maybe it’s time to fall in love with our bodies again, regardless of dress size or a number on a scale. Maybe it’s time to appreciate our bodies for the size they are today, not the smaller size they could be in the future. I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of waiting till I’m "thin" enough to like myself. I’m more than pounds and kilos- I am a beautiful, intelligent, caring, trustworthy, amazing woman who is wrapped up in a package that may not be the media’s (warped) idea of the perfect body, but who wants to be perfect anyhow? How boring would that be?!?
Your words just impacted me to the point that I’m crying. You cut right to the heart of the way that I feel.
You ARE beautiful, honey, and don’t ever forget it.
Comment by Fat Bitch — April 21, 2006 @ 4:46 am
my boyfriend and i visited quebec city last fall. it was beautiful but the best part was the women. all shapes and sizes, wearing tiny dresses and eating gelato in the street. they were all gorgeous because they were full of confidence. everyone looked you in the eye, that doesn’t happen here.
Comment by amy — April 21, 2006 @ 2:46 pm
I’ve noticed greater passion and confidence in the people I’ve seen on my out-of-country travels, too, infrequent as they have been. I’m willing to bet the American culture of consumption has much to do with our culture’s overall lack of confidence (not to make too general and sweeping of a statement), and the resulting advertising, marketing, etc.
Think about that word-consumption. We consume, and are consumed.
Comment by John Blodgett — April 28, 2006 @ 9:19 pm
Forgot to add a thought concerning how I criticize myself–I very much am of the mindset that nothing I do is ever good enough, no matter how good a job I do. And I know when I do do a good job; it’s just that I can never bask in the light of a job well done for I’m always thinking about what i could do better next time.
Comment by John Blodgett — April 28, 2006 @ 9:23 pm
Very well said. Appreciate and accept our bodies…wouldn’t that be nice.
Comment by Palmtreechick — July 19, 2006 @ 12:53 am