How Are You Getting Along with Your Body?
“Cherish forever what makes you unique.”
Bette Midler
Whether you like it or not, there is only one body on this planet that you will inhabit for your entire life. This is the body you are living in right now, the one that has carried you through every experience, every emotion, every moment of your existence.
For many people who struggle with Eating Distress/Eating Disorders, it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of harsh self-criticism, constantly focusing on perceived flaws and imperfections. This negative thinking can create a deep well of anxiety and self-doubt, making it hard to appreciate the body you have.
But here’s the good news: the way you see yourself can change, and it all begins with shifting your mindset.
Imagine for a moment that your body is more than just a collection of shapes and sizes, it’s a vessel that holds your spirit, your dreams, and your experiences. Instead of judging it for what it is not, what if you started to accept it for what it is? This is not an easy task, especially if you’ve spent years listening to that inner critic that tells you that you’re not enough. By learning to approach yourself with kindness, those harsh feelings can begin to dissolve, allowing room for something far more powerful: self-compassion.
Here’s a simple exercise that can help you start this journey toward self-acceptance.
Take a piece of paper and write down the phrase, “My body is okay just the way it looks right now.”
As soon as you do, you might notice an immediate surge of negative thoughts, things like, “This isn’t true,” or “I’m too big,” or “I don’t like my appearance.” Let those thoughts come out; don’t censor them. Write each of them down as they appear. When you feel harsh or critical; this is simply your mind’s way of expressing old beliefs, but they need to be challenged.
Once you’ve exhausted those negative reactions, take a deep breath. Then, go back and transform each of those statements into something kinder, more supportive.
For example, if you wrote, “I feel unattractive,” you might rephrase that as, “My body is strong, and it has carried me through tough times.” If you noted, “I am too heavy,” consider reframing it to, “My body is unique, and it is mine to cherish.”
The goal here is not to force yourself into an unrealistic sense of positivity but to gently challenge the negative beliefs that have been holding you back. With practice, you may find that your mind starts to accept these new, more compassionate messages.
Remember:
Nobody has a perfect body. Even the people you admire often wake up with puffy eyes and are far from photogenic first thing in the morning. Perfect bodies are a myth, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cultivate a wonderful sense of appreciation for the body you were born with.
Affirmation:
I have the ability to feel great about my body.
