Don't Be Your Own Roadblock!

BellaB7810

I've been using MFP for over a year now and the one thing I see too often is people comparing themselves to other people. I coach women in nutrition and fitness and what most of us really want, what we truly desire, is not to look like a magazine cover but to feel good about ourselves when we look in the mirror, to feel sexy and attractive to our significant others and to be able to enjoy our lives without the burden of aches and pains and illness. Yes, there are those who strive for perfection but I am here to tell you that being fit is NOT synonymous with being perfect.

Truth is, perfection is an abstract and intangible thing. Perfection is in the perception of the one looking for it and most often, it's something we can never attain. But do you really want to? If you actually achieved the "perfect body" and you had the perfect abs and the perfect arms, then what? Would it makes your daily job easier? Would it suddenly make you a better person? Would you be able to be more organized and patient and all those other things in life that we see as making people "good"? Probably not. Being fit does not change who you are.

My point is, being healthy and fit is about YOU. It's not a particular number on the scale or a certain jean size. Having a six pack is not required to be in shape. I don't have a largely defined six pack but I do have muscle tone and I am healthy. If I compared myself to a 22 year old athlete who's never had children and works outs 6 hours a day, I'd feel like a complete loser. But I can't do that. Neither can you!

Each of you here is here for a reason. You want to take care of yourself. You each have specific goals you want to reach and you should give them your all. BUT, make sure your goals are not compromising the rest of your life. Don't let your weight or your measurements consume you. I say this from the perspective of a woman who has gone through sever bulimia and binge eating, has been grossly overweight AND underweight and has come out stronger not the other side. I know exactly what it's like to have your weight completely take over your mind to the exclusion of everything else in your life. It can happen before you even realize it. Getting in shape is not easy but we can make easier by making our goals about US and not just to be like someone else.

What's hot now may not be what's hot in a year. But your fitness and your health will still matter. Look at what's important to you in your life and make THAT the reason you want to better yourself. For your family, your kids, your future. Do it for YOU.

Friend me! I would love to offer support and am happy to answer questions and encourage you in YOUR goals! You can do this. Get out of your head, get out of your way and just start! Just do it! It's only impossible until you do it. I guarantee you yo'' have no regrets if you do it for the right reasons.

jodibrox

Very well said!! and THank YOu!!!!!

Susan923

Did you write this just for me???? Thank you for this. I really needed it today. That is what I struggle with now and what I am trying to work on in my own head. I really should be happy with myself and only be working to keep my body just the way it is. My head (that also has suffered from an eating disorder) is telling me how much better I could look if I only tried harder.

My new goal is to keep and appreciate what I have and what my body looks like so that I will hopefully be able to stop obsessing about these things.

Thanks again!!