If I were to do an episode of "The Juice" a new online show collaborated by BlogHer and Tropicana Trop50 on topics related to nutrition, functional fitness, doing more with less, relationships and mind/body, I would call my episode, "Loving Our Body Today."
Recently, I retired my popular healthy living blog Back in Skinny Jeans after 3 years and 8 months because on my recent birthday it dawned on me, "How old do you have to be to stop obsessing about your body and your looks?”
I mean really, it's a good question to ask because do you want to be 40, 50,...and still be obsessing about your jeans size, wrinkles, flab, and crow’s feet? At what age does it all end? At what age do you finally get to "I love my body?"
I felt it was time to retire Back in Skinny Jeans on a high note because it was time for me to grow up into my higher self. Instead of getting "bikini-ready", I want to get "higher self-ready." My higher self no longer has a need to focus on her body or the subject of physical beauty and blog about it every day. She loves her body and herself today as she is and here are 5 tips that helped me get there:
- So, at what age does all the body obsessing end? The answer is any age. The obsessing stops when YOU stop. You can be 20 or 60. Age doesn't matter. State of mind matters, and YOU control that. I follow this mantra: My body is not the root of my suffering, my mind is. And equally, my body is not the root of my happiness, my mind is.
- Stop playing the comparison game particularly the Ms. Perfect edition. Nothing will torpedo your self esteem faster than playing the lack game. Instead, play the abundance game. Focus on what is unique and authentic about YOU.
- You are whole. You can have damage, flaws, and imperfections, but know that you are still whole. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Well, it’s the same thing for feeling whole. No one can make you feel "I'm not enough" without your agreement. No one can make you feel you’re not beautiful, talented, or worthy of love without your permission. No matter what happens on the outside, on the inside you are whole.
- Be your own best friend. It makes no sense to be kind, loving, and supportive to everyone in your life, then go beat up on yourself. If you cheer others on, cheer yourself on as well.
- Your body is a Wonderland not a Slum. Feed yourself foods that make you feel vibrant. Feed your mind thoughts that nourish your self esteem. Surround yourself with people and places that bring meaning to your lifehood.
So what are some other tips that helped you start loving your body today?
