Take a look in the mirror. What do you see? Are you happy with the reflection? Do you wish you had a smaller this or that and could fit into those “skinny jeans”? Are you buying into what mainstream media is telling you about the perfect body? Are you jealous of the celery eating, photoshopped, rail-thin cover models?
Hmm…
What’s with all the questions?
Well, I want you to think about it. How do you feel about yourself? How do you really feel? Because honestly, if you don’t like yourself now, what makes you think you’ll suddenly love yourself when you lose 15 or 20 pounds? Does your happiness really hang on losing those extra pounds? Or can you be happy with yourself now, while you’re in the process?
True beauty, strength, and health encompass more than just the way you look. It’s an attitude, it’s mental, it’s being comfortable in your skin. The mental state of being OK with yourself will change everything. It’s not a free pass to stay the same. It’s an empowerment to strive for betterment. Because I love my wife, I want her life to be full of everything she enjoys. I want her to be happy. Because I love myself, I take care of my body by exercising and eating to support my health goals. I’m OK with myself, but I know I can be better so I strive for more.
Take a look in the mirror again and smile. Smile because you’re happy with you. Smile at the you that’s inside ready to come out. Smile because you know that “skinny jeans” are for 13 year old EMO girls and boys and that you can look better than those cover models all while eating real food. And next time you line up for “Go Time” at CFW, smile knowing that the better you is one step closer to appearing.
Photo by Laura Brown.