For Ourselves, For Our Children

In a recent podcast interview I was asked what issues I have with my body. I felt very out of place for a moment. I didn’t have an answer. Here I was trying espousing my philosophies on fitness and I suddenly felt called out. 

We are a culture of body issues and I could not speak to any. 

I've pondered this and felt a marked amount of shame, until now.

I realized something very important about my perspective that I believe can help you. The truth is, I notice my body and it’s changes; but I don’t criticize the changes my body experiences. I have a neutral and/or positive voice. You can teach yourself to do this; observe and be kind. 

At 30 pounds heavier by the pool, I had a friend tell me, “you give me confidence to wear a bathing suit”. 

When I first noticed the change in my breast shape after two kids my husband said, “I still love them”. 

Showing my hairdresser my gray hair, “you can get away with it, you’re blond”.

What always strikes me at moments like these is that; I was never complaining or pointing to something negative, but that is what most people inherently hear when I make those observations.

It is my passionate work to shift our beliefs about physical appearance. 

I knew I was, “fat” and there were many reasons contributing to my weight gain. I did not ever let that stop me from putting on my bikini and playing with my kids; which in return contributed to positive mood and weight loss. 

It was a suprize to witness the extreme changes in my hair and breasts. Suprize! This is 40 and beyond. I do love a good suprize. And what is my option? I could have a breast lift, I could color my hair. For all the reasons I won’t, the biggest is; I have a daughter and I feel a great responsibility to show her how a female body ages and how to do so with joy.