Body Dysmorphia

Community

One of the things that I love so much about this program is the community. Today's community meeting topic was about body dysmorphia. You know, basically the way that we think about ourselves….the negative. Do you have that flaw about your body that you pick on every day? That flaw that you try to hide? I sure do! Do you remember when those feelings began? For most of us, it probably started at a very young age. 

Mine began around puberty. I remember being around 10 years old - 5th grade when I began gaining some weight. There are a couple of memories that I have of a disappointed/worry expression from my dad after a yearly doctor's check up about my weight. I remember my brother telling me that I was fat because our mom got fat while she was pregnant with me. 

They may have not meant a darn thing at the moment, but how we perceive someone else's words can have a huge affect on us. I know my dad loved me very much and wanted the best for me. My brother was just being a brother and saying things to aggravate me…at least I hope LOL - you never know. I don't ever remember the girls/women in my life putting me down about my weight. Isn't that something? Why do you think that is?

My ugly thoughts...

I have always thought negatively about my mid-section. I've always wore and bought clothes that I thought might hide it. You know the kind… the tunics, the baggy t-shirts, the empire waist line. For the past several summers, I have lived in yoga pants. "Thank God for the elastic waistband" - I would think. Every time I'd look in the mirror, I would see that "flaw". I got tired of seeing that "flaw" so much that I've avoided having my picture taken from the shoulders down. 

I've hidden myself. I'd compare myself to others. If someone complimented me, I wouldn't know what to say - should I believe them? I always hated social events… How could I find the right outfit to hide myself? I also fueled my mismanaged emotions with comfort food which only added gave misery company and they talked negatively. 

There is HOPE!

This program is not only teaching me how to eat healthy, but it is also helping me to retrain and rewire my mentality about myself. I do not ever remember being taught how to deal with uncomfortable feelings and how to talk about them throughout my lifespan. 

I am learning now! It's uncomfortable. It's scary. But it is necessary for me to be able to grow into the version of me that I love the best  I am flipping that script! Proper nutrition fuels your soul. It's giving me a new light on life that I didn't even realize that I needed!

If you'd like to learn more and transform your health and wellness, I've got your back! When you are ready - reach out and you, too, can begin to learn how you can reach your dreams by living life through the best version of you! We have to take care of ourselves and each other