The post-holiday thoughts running through my head are usually, "Crap, I really shouldn't have eaten so much cheese. Curse you, cheese! And all the wine. I drank too much wine. My pants are tight. I regret that fifth cookie. I don't even want to look at my butt right now."
But then I thought about my nieces and had to stop these thoughts dead in their tracks. While I've always struggled with the way I'm built, I don't want to set that example for them. My mother was anorexic as a teenager, and she still struggles with her food anxiety today. As much as she's emphasized the consequences of her disorder, I've still inherited the obsessive, intrusive thoughts that come with my anxiety. It's not healthy, and I hate that it has power over me. If I'm going to help the next generation or young women have a healthier body image, I have to start with myself.
I deserve to treat myself better. I've always been a believer that I shouldn't sacrifice joy and socialization in my life in order to maintain a perfect body, so it's time to cut myself a little slack. I'm a human, I have cellulite, and I probably won't ever achieve the perfect thigh gap. But who cares? I don't notice if anybody else around me is a size 0 or 12. Instead, I care about what kind of people they are. I value kindness, a sense of humor, intelligence, loyalty, and empathy so much more than I value their waist measurements. I need to be less of a perfectionist and treat myself the same way.
In honor of starting a year of new experiences, I think it's only fitting to start with myself. Instead of focusing on a physique goal, I'm going to focus on my fitness goals. I'm going to think more about how I feel, and less about whether or not my thighs touch. I refuse to regret my holiday feasting. That cheese was delicious. The wine was a celebration of my family's happiness. And most importantly, I am the same strong, smart, confident, capable woman regardless of whether or not I'm five pounds heavier or lighter.
Maybe you struggle with the same issues I do. If so, make these resolutions with me instead of focusing on losing weight:
1. I will take pride in my body
Instead of picking at my flaws when I look in the mirror, I'm going to pick out five things I like about my body every day.
2. I will love who I am
I will set personal goals and reach them. I will highly invest in myself as a professional, capitalize on my strengths, and work on my weaknesses. I will deepen my spiritual identity.
3. I will focus on what my body can do
Working out is my therapy. When I'm covered in sweat, struggling on the last few reps, pushing myself as hard as I can, I'm not listening to that inner demon. I'm focusing on how I feel. And when I finish a tough workout, I feel like a complete badass. It doesn't matter if I have the thinnest thighs at the gym. Mine just squatted two plates. It's empowering to discover what your body is capable of, and when you get hooked on that feeling, you'll naturally want to fuel your body the right way to reach new fitness goals.
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| I'll never forget how accomplished and proud I felt after completing my first half-marathon |
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| Healthy doesn't mean bland! Gotta love sweet potatoes! |
80% of the time, I will eat well for optimal nutrition and energy. I'll eat plenty of fruits and veggies. I won't count calories. I'll listen to my body and drink plenty of water.
The other 20% of the time I'll indulge in chocolate, alcohol, too many carbs, and Chinese takeout. You only live once, and I refuse to give up my 3am Rice Cafe runs. Let yourself enjoy the occasional McDonald's small fries. They're totally worth the heartburn.
5. I will try a new form of exercise
In the grand scheme of sports and exercise, I really haven't tried a lot; but there are so many workouts I want to attempt: crossfit, jujitsu, a triathlon, hot yoga... I could go on for ages. Try a new form of exercise because it's a new challenge; don't worry about how many calories you're burning.
6. I will build up those around me
While I try to compliment, encourage, and help people when I notice something, I will always have room for improvement in this area. This year, I'm going to look for ways to better help and encourage. When you do something good for others, you feel better about yourself, and it puts what's really important into perspective.
7. I will surround myself with supportive people
I'm so lucky to have friends and family I can talk to about my anxieties, so I'm going to focus on reaching out to them when I am struggling with my body image. Sometimes all you need is a good friend to help you find equilibrium again.
Here's to a happier, healthier you this year! You're fabulous; don't forget to feel like it!
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