Health: Negative Body Image

I've been reading a lot of articles lately, like this one that have really got me thinking. I think as a woman there is a lot of pressure from society (mainly via the media) about how our bodies should look. We don't stop to think about how everyone is--unique including our physical attributes--and we literally can't look like the women we see on TV, in magazines and in the movies. Not only is it physically impossible since we are all so different-- they are PAID to look like that. They workout with a personal trainer, have a private chef cook them healthy meals, have a team of makeup artists, hairstylists and wardrobe consultants to make them look like that. There is also Photoshop and other programs to help enhance their beauty. 

What I'm trying to say is -- it's even impossible for those women whose bodies we envy to look that good every day. It takes a small army to create that image, yet as women we're told that not only is it attainable -- but that we should look like that. 

I've gone through waves of self love and self doubt over my 27 years of life and it's sad. Why should I be comparing myself to anyone else when I'm a unique individual and look like me. Am I perfect? Heck no -- there are things here or there that I could improve on but I am, as I am right now, enough. I'll let you in on a little secret: there is something that every single woman (yes, even those hot celebrities) does not like about her body. Instead of looking at my "flaws" and feeling bad about them I need to celebrate my positive attributes. 

I'm doing the best job I can balancing work, family, friends and free time while working out to maintain my health and eating the right foods (most of the time). It's a lot. We can't be perfect at everything and it's okay to not workout every single day of the week (that's not healthy either but that's a new post for another day) or eat perfect all the time. Indulging every once in a while and being more relaxed about my eating and exercise routine has actually been much better for me. I don't feel guilty if I miss a day (or two) at the gym and when I eat something that isn't totally healthy I know I will balance it out with all the other great things I do eat. That's way too much stress and pressure to put on yourself. 

Why this post today? I think that sometimes we all lose sight about what is important and our self confidence can really take a beating. It's nice to have a reminder every once in a while to be a little kinder to ourselves. No matter what size -- you're beautiful and you should celebrate the good things instead of focusing on the bad. Aim to improve your health instead of focusing on the scale or size jeans you wear. Because you, (yes you) are enough.