We all have what we perceive to be flaws but not everyone is able to accept them as part of who they are. This is a tough tough one. As everyone has parts of their body they dislike or would even go so far as to say they hate. It's totally natural but it's even harder when we're bombarded every day with images of what is portrayed to be the perfect body or image.
I felt I needed to write this after a comment a client made to me recently about their body and an area which they weren't happy with. I'm hoping that by sharing my own experience, I can help you or someone else feel a little better about your own body, especially as I imagine many of you will be able to identify with me.
For me, it used to be my thighs but now it's my lower abdomen, which is bigger than it was before I had a child. I could let it bother me but I actually don't. I'm surprised at myself for this, because I spent literally half my life chasing what I thought of as perfection.
For a long time it was a number on the scales, I had a goal weight that I wanted to achieve and thought that when I get there I'll be happy, I'll be perfect but then when I did reach it I wasn't happy and the goal posts moved. I was constantly chasing something that didn't exist or wasn't possible. I remember going to the doctors once and being told my body fat percentage was extremely low and if I lost any more I would be in danger of affecting my fertility, however this wasn't the wake up call you'd expect it to have been. I don't think I really believed them, they were telling me I couldn't achieve what I so dearly wanted and I wasn't ready to listen.
In the end, what actually managed to change my perspective, was learning and understanding my body more. Learning how we, especially women, NEED fat!! It is essential.
It was also learning and accepting that everyone is different and what is a realistic goal for one person and their body type may not be realistic for someone else. I will never ever be stick thin and healthy because that isn't my body type and actually nor do I want to be. I find it very easy to gain muscle but this means that I also find it easy to gain fat and I have to keep myself disciplined to make sure that it's the former not the latter!
I have learnt that exercise is best and most fun when it's something you do for health and enjoyment. Not to punish your body. Your body is a gift and when you learn to cherish it life becomes a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.
I have finally been able to accept my body as it is. I workout 5 - 6 times a week because I really enjoy exercise. I try to keep my diet as clean as possible but I won't say no to chocolate, cheese or wine!! Everything in moderation ;). My body isn't perfect but it brought my little girl into the world and it allows me to do a job that I LOVE. I'm so grateful to it.
It takes practice and need to explore to find what works for you but if you can move a little bit each day towards accepting yourself right now, you will be on your way to feeling so much better because after all, your "flaws" are what make you so beautifully you!
This is a hard blog for me to post as I have never been this open about my own weight challenges before but I figure if I'm going to help anyone I need to be open and honest.
If you've gotten down here then it means you've likely read the whole thing and I REALLY appreciate you giving it your time and I really hope that I've managed to help at least one person on their journey to accepting their body the way it is.
If you would like support in beginning or continuing your health and fitness journey, I will gladly be by your side. Just ping me a message.
Claire x
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