Your Body Loves You. Love It Back!
‘Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.’- Buddha
We often take such words seriously, especially those of us who’ve entered middle age. We spare no efforts, take no chances, ignore no heart-felt advice. We put them ALL into effect with only one goal in mind—to achieve perfect health!
But have we ever asked our body what IT actually needs? One might think the answer would be… a detox diet or a relaxed spa session, probably a day of rest, since we tend to simply take our body for granted. Surprisingly, all our body needs, is to be loved JUST AS IT IS.
Most women wage a life-long battle with weight. Once thin, the constant desire to fit back in old clothes followed by the refusal to give up, allows guilt to set in. What ensues is a series of body-bashing observations. We observe the stretch-marks more than the dimples, the chest-bones-that-poke-out more than the straight posture, the softness of skin in the WRONG places more than its suppleness and glow!
Let’s be honest. The weight’s not the real issue. The real problem is self-acceptance. Stop using your body as a punching bag, blaming it for everything that goes wrong in your life. Your body is a gift given to you so that you can achieve your goals. Love it unconditionally!
Connect with your body. Don’t be harsh on yourself when you look into the mirror. You ARE beautiful, irrespective of what the scale says! Don’t wait for it to reach the perfect size before you enjoy it. Numbers don’t matter, a positive attitude does. Wear clothes that make you feel good. It’s not about what size you wear, it’s about HOW you wear your size!
Appreciate your strong arms that help you to lift weights, your stately thighs that allow you to jog and exercise. Look at the body in a different perspective. You’ll realize that it’s a miracle! Count your blessings, revel in the miles your body can run and swim.
True beauty comes from within. That doesn’t mean you should stop trying to improve. It just means you need to focus on building a strong body rather than fitting in a cookie-cutter mold.
Bring about a lifestyle change! Give yourself a quick boost, not by indulging in food, but with exercise! Be grateful that you can choose to spin or Zumba, without limitations. Exercise, your way, not because it makes you thinner but because it gives you a better quality of life along with… a wonderful feeling! Fill up your body with fruits, veggies, lean proteins and ample water. Make a date with the gym, a hot and steamy one! You probably won’t be able to walk the next day. But it’s still worth the effort!
Listen to what your body has to say. Set a good example to your daughter by loving (and not scowling at) yourself in the mirror. Treat it respectfully, instead of complaining how it’s shaped. Accepting it the way it is, just empowers you.
Let your motto now be, “I’m not trying to look perfect. I just want to feel better, look great, know I’m healthy and ROCK ANY OUTFIT I choose!”

