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Love-Like Relationship

Raise your hand if you like everything about your body. I’m pretty sure even those considered by the influencers to have “incredible physiques” did not raise their hands. Whether you’re a menopausal 50 year old with a thick middle, a fitness model, or a dad hanging out at the pool, many of us find something to dislike about our bodies.

Many females constantly critique their bodies – standing before full length mirrors, turning sideways to evaluate our stomachs, looking over our shoulders to make sure cellulite was not creeping onto our thighs. And of course, we criticize (openly or not) other people’s bodies as well. These habits are ingrained and very difficult to break. In fact, I’d say even more difficult than quitting smoking or giving up caffeine is letting go of the constant self-criticism and judgement.

Enter the “body positive” and “love yourself” movement. So many people felt this was finally the acceptance we had been waiting for. Seeing people in advertising that look like us with round bellies and wide hips somehow give us permission to finally accept our bodies and be done with all the self-criticism and judgement? After so many years of disliking certain aspects of our body, we were finally free to “love” ourselves. But wait, can’t you do both?

Do you have to LIKE everything about yourself to completely LOVE yourself? I say no. Loving yourself goes deeper than the full-length mirror. “Yourself” is your life – how you interact with the universe. Whether it’s supporting sustainable farming by eating local, fresh produce, spending time outside on a walk with friends and family, or allowing yourself to meditate for 10 minutes every day, we can all find ways to “love” ourselves. Can you practice self-love and still not “like” your thick middle? I say yes!

Does wanting to lose 10 pounds to feel better in your clothes mean you don’t fully “love” yourself? Many say you can’t fully love yourself and still want to improve yourself. Sorry, I have to call bullshit on that. Rarely does a person who does not fully love themselves want to improve themselves. Truly loving yourself is the ultimate justification for seeking to improve those things you still don’t “like.” So, it’s okay to dislike your thighs. It’s okay to work towards improving your health. Love yourself. Really, it’s okay.



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