Be Nice to You!

"You were given this body because you are strong enough to deal with it."

After seeing this quote yesterday morning, I’ve been thinking about it ever since. In some ways out of shame and in other ways out of celebration. 

It’s funny how when we allow ourselves to gain large amounts of access weight or not happy with something within the walls of our own body, how critical we are of ourselves. I am the first to admit I fell into this category more times than once, especially when I had 130+ pounds to lose. I think it’s a natural reaction. We don’t like how something looks or feels and because our body belongs to “us” per say, we feel like we have the right to be critical. Isn’t that funny how we do that? I mean we wouldn’t in our wildest dreams think of saying something to a friend or family member if we felt like they had some issues to deal with that were as personal as weight loss and self-image, right? Okay, maybe some would but I know that is territory I personally would steer away from. 

The reality is this, and it’s sad that it’s taken me until now to really understand how it works. Our bodies are not the way they are in shape and size entirely based on genetics. That plays a very small part, but as far as what our scale weight is and what our body fat percentage is, all is a result of what WE, the “body owner,” chooses to feed it. So yes, when I was nearly 280 pounds and feeling sorry for myself and frustrated… really, I was the only one to blame for the problem that had become out of hand. Even though I didn’t think that was the case. I mean, it didn’t matter what diet I tried or what exercises I kept trying to do, the weight still wouldn’t come off so how could it be my fault?  Why not blame genetics or life’s circumstances?  I think sometimes it’s so easy to push the blame on something or someone else when really we as the person suffering are the one who needs addressed. Granted we may not yet understand the best solution or cycle for what our body will respond to as we are all different, but the underlying problem stems from our behaviors. The good news is that there is an answer for everyone and what may work for one person may not work for the next, so being patient and finding just the right fit is the key.  It’s the “how” we treat our bodies in the process that makes the difference. 

I’ve learned to think of the body and how it works as a machine. Truly that is what it is. What we chose to do with that is up to us. It’s like me pulling into the gas station and putting diesel in my car instead of unleaded. It wouldn’t work. It would cause a problem. The car would rebel. Our bodies are much the same way. They need to be fueled with things they like and that can help them excel, not filled with the constant things that make them tired and sluggish. Again, the “what” is going to vary from person to person.  

Regardless, in the process I think it’s so important for us to be nice to our bodies. To treat them with respect just like we would anything else. Keep in mind this whole lifestyle to healthy is a process. As long as you are trying, your body is trying. Learning to work together instead of against each other is the key to success. Just recently I have found my mind wanting to wander and be critical or negative about my mid-section and the loose skin and the will-it-ever-go- away talk. Then I am quickly reminded of the hard work we have already accomplished together and the success we have had. I remind myself that in order for that area of my body to continue to make the progress I am hopeful for, I need to remain positive, build it up, and encourage it along the way. It’s amazing what will start to happen when you think of all the imperfections on your body as your greatest blessings in strengthening yourself. Yes, life is good!