10 Steps to Loving Your Body

I didn't even realize how brutal battling my body was. I couldn't understand why it was changing, or why I couldn't control it so that it looked like it had in my 20’s and early 30’s...the time when healing from child birth wasn’t an issue, the days of pizza and chocolate cupcakes if I wanted them, the days before a thyroid issue and hormones...that was the body I was trying to get back! I won’t lie, Before 32 my waist line wasn’t an issue for me, well not one I recognized as an issue...I was usually told, “you’re to skinny, don’t lose another pound.” I was asked if I was on drugs because of how small I was. I know now that the body I was struggling to get back to was an unhealthy one. I had an image in my head of what was “sexy” or an “acceptable” weight. It wasn’t ever a number, it was my body in the mirror with, hip bones, collar bones, my rib cage showing and small thighs, size 2 jeans that hung low on my hips. The only parts of my body I embraced being large were my tits and ass... This led to years of extreme diets and exercise regimes to try and keep my body “socially acceptable.” All of which made me even more unhealthy. Not only do I now know these diets were physically unhealthy, I'm also now aware that the battle with my body was mentally unhealthy and emotionally damaging. When I'm honest with myself, I know my size or shape was not the problem. My real issue was a lack of self-acceptance and worth. I even convinced myself that my body was the reason I had been cheated on or had an ex that was addicted to porn and was mentally, emotional and physically abusive. I was a baggy size 2 and MY SIZE was a problem in my eyes! When my 30’s hit and my Thyroid threw me a massive fucking curve ball, I went from 113 lbs to 172 lbs in 3 years!!! To some that may not seem fast, but for me it felt like it was overnight. I fought it the best I could to no prevail. I began to become depressed and angry. I withdrew and lost what confidence I did have. My ego took a major hit. I even thought back to see if this was Karma, asking myself, “Had I picked on girls that were overweight?” But that wasn’t me, I knew I was grasping at straws. I saw a Dr. and was informed my body was fighting against me and I was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder known as Hoshimotos. I was put on Medication that gave me migraines, only to be told, “keep taking it, your body will adjust.” Ummm no thank you! My energy was at zero, my internal self abuse was on overdrive and I was miserable in my own skin. I had thoughts that my husband would leave me because of my body. Thoughts like, “I don’t want to see me naked, why would he?” Razored their way through my mind and spirit. I went from thinking I was fat and ugly when I was unhealthy skinny to thinking I was fat and ugly when I was overweight. Something had to give! Finally, I had had enough, and I decided to take control of my thoughts and my body the best I could. My husband was my rock, telling me every second he could that I was beautiful, sexy, desired, craved and gorgeous. I heard him, but had much work to do so I believed it...the journey isn’t an easy one. I still have my days. This shift from letting someone else’s ideals of the what the female body should look like no longer gets to determine my self-worth. Deciding that I needed to accept my body for what it is and not try to change it but make it healthy has changed my life. So here are 10 ways I have and still practice to love my body today. ** Yes, I still struggle some time, I may be a badass but I’m still a soft skinned woman that has some body issues. 1. There is no such thing as 'The Dream Body'One of the biggest thieves of joy is striving for perfection.

It does not exist, and it trains us to think there's something wrong with ourselves. 2. Instead try focusing on your healthiest body.

The photos of flawless Victoria's Secret models or the Instagram girls that workout for a living, and love a good bit of Photoshop, shouldn't be your motivation; YOU should be your motivation. Striving for a better, healthier, fitter, and stronger you. That's achievable and you can set realistic goals and feel great when you accomplish them. 3. Remember that it's not your body's fault!Stop blaming your body for all the "no"s or negativity you have in your life. It's not the reason why he didn't call you back or why you didn't get the job promotion. Try to look in the mirror and say, "Thank you, body, you are all mine, you're my home and I love you." 4. Don't let anyone determine how you feel about your body.

It could be a certain look or comment thrown your way, but the person who made it probably wasn't judging you. You are judging yourself. Try to remind yourself, "It's OK to be you. No one else can ever be you, so that makes you very special." 5. And avoid being around anyone who makes you feel like shit.This is pretty self-explanatory. 6. Don't assume health by sizeHealth starts from within. I work out and incorporate clean foods into my diet to feel good and look after myself — not to lose weight. I know more size 14 women that are healthier than majority size 3 women. 7. Always remember that you are more than...A number on a scale or the label in your jeans. 8. Celebrate your body for more than what it looks like.

Acknowledge all the incredible things your body can do. And start saying, "I am” and watch how positivity transforms your life. “I am beautiful!” “I am healthy” “I am worthy”

9. Stop self-deprecating Nothing good comes from you or your friends comparing and trashing their bodies. Instead, if you encounter any body-bashing, turn it into something positive. The same goes for social media; stop before you post anything that you wouldn't like someone saying to you. Yes you are entitled to your opinions but if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. 10. And most importantly always remember you are meant to be you.

Stop thinking you are meant to look a certain way or be like someone else. You are in the best body for you. It is your home and there is nothing more perfect than you, just the way you are. When you start loving your body you will want to look after it and to me beauty is knowing who you are, loving yourself inside out, and ultimately radiating confidence. I hope this helps you. I have worked hard and still have a body that I am working on to make healthier, but I’m at least working at it. I was brutal and abusive to myself. The ugly words like, fat and gross were easier to say rather than, sexy or beautiful. Today I am 145.8 lbs, I’m now down 23.4 lbs and going strong. Next week I could easily be 152 lbs. welcome to the world of Thyroid problems, but with clean eating, walking, jogging and just being mindful of my daily activities I have created a temple that is healthier than I ever was at 118 lbs. Now my brain says, “it’s time to tone!” Let me just say, this princess doesn’t like weights. It can be done...embrace your body, your stretch marks, your belly rolls, your dimples, your hips, your thighs, your boobs that aren’t 18 and perky...worship your body. Be kind to her. Speak words of praise and love and she will repay you in ways you can only imagine.