So many points I can relate to. I started running at age 16 for the sole purpose of fitting into a pair of Guess acid washed jeans. And I never stopped until a few years ago when I injured my Achilles and took a break from running and moved into more weight lifting and increased my biking song could get my adrenaline hit. I’ve never been really thin except when I was going through my divorce which I funneled into qualifying for Boston and completing my first Ironman race. Exercise has always been my way to keep that little voice in check, but it still echos everyday as I measure myself again what my past (younger) self could do. For me it’s a body image but also how much can I still do compared to my younger self. This is an area of continued growth for me too! :) Thank you for bringing this oh so important issue up to look at it and ourselves squarely in the mirror and love who is looking back 🤍
I can totally relate to your comments Jada and I realise now how much I've left behind in terms of how I've driven myself over the years. I tracked my exercise progress for decades, logging all the data on my laptop for running and what weights I was lifting. Even when I set myself a goal of walking 1000 miles one year, it became 1500+ and I set the target higher the following year. Now, I nearly always do an hour's yoga practice 3 x's a week and walk as often as I can, but my goals are around feeling flexible, reasonably strong and just enjoying moving! Although I loved training throughout the years, I always felt detached from my body and it was something to be driven and pushed. Now, I feel peaceful in my own skin and integrated somehow. I guess it's ultimately a feeling of acceptance and gratitude and I'm happy about that 🩷
Thank you for writing this so honestly, Karen. It's amazing how so many women will most likely remember a single comment from decades ago, yet struggle to remember all the evidence that our bodies have carried us through life with incredible loyalty.
I don't think we're ever really "happy" with our bodies - too tall, too short, too fat, small boobs, big tummy, and on and on it goes. The things that bothered me when I was young don't bother me now (I love having smaller boobs these days!) and I think when we finally click to the fact that we are blessed to have a body that serves us well and takes us where we need to go - that's when we start to really find our peace with it all. x
Absolutely...I see women my age struggling with mobility or other issues and I'm just grateful I can walk freely and live comfortably on the boat or in the van as I'm fit and well. It's funny as I used to want a boob job when I was very slim (in my 30s/40s) but as I've got fatter, I'm buying minimiser bras! Be careful what we wish for 😉 x
It’s so sad that comments made to/about us in our youth have the power to haunt us for the rest of our lives, and sometimes the comments come from well meaning people. Western Society is obsessed with the way people look particularly women.
I feel the same Jane. I guess it's all part of our individual life path and I'm grateful that I accept my body now, even though it's taken a long time 💛
So many points I can relate to. I started running at age 16 for the sole purpose of fitting into a pair of Guess acid washed jeans. And I never stopped until a few years ago when I injured my Achilles and took a break from running and moved into more weight lifting and increased my biking song could get my adrenaline hit. I’ve never been really thin except when I was going through my divorce which I funneled into qualifying for Boston and completing my first Ironman race. Exercise has always been my way to keep that little voice in check, but it still echos everyday as I measure myself again what my past (younger) self could do. For me it’s a body image but also how much can I still do compared to my younger self. This is an area of continued growth for me too! :) Thank you for bringing this oh so important issue up to look at it and ourselves squarely in the mirror and love who is looking back 🤍
I can totally relate to your comments Jada and I realise now how much I've left behind in terms of how I've driven myself over the years. I tracked my exercise progress for decades, logging all the data on my laptop for running and what weights I was lifting. Even when I set myself a goal of walking 1000 miles one year, it became 1500+ and I set the target higher the following year. Now, I nearly always do an hour's yoga practice 3 x's a week and walk as often as I can, but my goals are around feeling flexible, reasonably strong and just enjoying moving! Although I loved training throughout the years, I always felt detached from my body and it was something to be driven and pushed. Now, I feel peaceful in my own skin and integrated somehow. I guess it's ultimately a feeling of acceptance and gratitude and I'm happy about that 🩷
Thank you for writing this so honestly, Karen. It's amazing how so many women will most likely remember a single comment from decades ago, yet struggle to remember all the evidence that our bodies have carried us through life with incredible loyalty.
That's so true Dana. My body has been steadfast through so much and I'm now treating it with the love and respect it deserves 🤍
I don't think we're ever really "happy" with our bodies - too tall, too short, too fat, small boobs, big tummy, and on and on it goes. The things that bothered me when I was young don't bother me now (I love having smaller boobs these days!) and I think when we finally click to the fact that we are blessed to have a body that serves us well and takes us where we need to go - that's when we start to really find our peace with it all. x
Absolutely...I see women my age struggling with mobility or other issues and I'm just grateful I can walk freely and live comfortably on the boat or in the van as I'm fit and well. It's funny as I used to want a boob job when I was very slim (in my 30s/40s) but as I've got fatter, I'm buying minimiser bras! Be careful what we wish for 😉 x
It’s so sad that comments made to/about us in our youth have the power to haunt us for the rest of our lives, and sometimes the comments come from well meaning people. Western Society is obsessed with the way people look particularly women.
I think so many women carry forward negative comments from their younger years. It always saddens me when women speak harshly about their bodies.
So glad to hear this, that you now love your body! I am similar - just sad that I wasted so many years not liking it, when it was perfectly okay.
I feel the same Jane. I guess it's all part of our individual life path and I'm grateful that I accept my body now, even though it's taken a long time 💛
SUCH an important conversation. Loved this. Saved by grace always.
Thank you Stephanie 🙂