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What I Like About Me

It is becoming increasingly clear to me that weight is not a magic number for happiness. So many of us think, "If I could just get to ___lbs/size, I would be happy with my body." The fact is, however, that this is simply not true. As I have been listening to more podcasts and hearing more and more people share about the depth of their weight loss journeys, it seems that someone who is uncomfortable in their skin will not feel better about themselves no matter what the scale or their clothing size tells them.

Now, this is obviously why we need a healthy relationship with the scale and should set some boundaries with it, but it is also necessary that we have a healthy relationship with our bodies and need to allow for the appreciation of ourselves. Self care is an important tool toward losing weight and having a positive self-image. When we have a negative body image, losing weight does not take away critiques, because we are humans and will always have "flaws." I would argue that this is where eating disorders gain their power.

Along with the Half Size Me show with Heather Robertson, I have found abundant encouragement and educational tools in Simple Roots Radio, with Alexa Schirm. I am grateful for these women and the desire they have to empower others through their weight loss journeys. In light of this empowerment, I have decided to take the time to put into words what I like about myself right now.

My current stats: 5'4", 226.4lbs; 30 minute workouts (21 Day Fix) 6 days/week + avg. 75 min. walking 4 days/wk.
I like my hair. Though it's in this funky, Rapunzel at the end of the movie Tangled stage, it grows quickly and lightens naturally during the summer. I am not afraid to try new styles and cut it whenever I'm feeling adventurous.
I like my eyes. They're blue and it's easy for me to make them pop with lots of different colored clothing.
I like my curves. When I try certain styles, my curves give me unique accent in my appearance that flatters my figure.
I like my "man calves." This sounds like an insult to myself, but I love the fact that I have strong calves. Even though I can't wear those fun fall boots that zip up, I am reminded of my own strength and the fact that I earned those calves dancing for 8 years.
I like my feet. I don't even care how weird that sounds, because one of the reasons that I chose to get a tattoo on my foot was to accent the beauty that I saw there. I have long dancer toes and high arches.

So, that's where I'm at. This is what I like about myself and how I am choosing to embrace my body just as I am.
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