Body+: What Do You Love About Your Body

2FattyXFatty4 · July 2012

I am a proponent of Body Positivity, whereas I believe that you can achieve health and fitness at any and every size. Yes, I lost 100 pounds but that was needed for my health because I was slowly dying at that size. At no time did I ever feel any "hate" toward my body, even at 475 pounds.

What I felt for my body 100 pounds ago was indifference. I changed that to love before I even attempted to lose my very first pound; love for my body is not something I suddenly found after shedding 100 pounds, and it's not something that I claim to seek after getting to a healthy weight. If I had not learned to love my body BEFORE trying to lose some weight, then I'd still be 475 pounds and indifferent (and, possibly near death).

I am fat ..

... but shedding excess weight at a good clip (same skirt, 30 days later).

... because I don't beat myself up or let the scale or food tell me how "good" or "bad" I have been.

And I may very well be fat for the rest of my life. But my being fat is no indication of how I feel about myself. I love my body now and I respect and take care of it by feeding it when I am hungry and stopping when I am satisfied (not full). I move it with exercise, give it rest when it needs it and keep it hydrated at all times. And I accept it for what it is, as it is, whatever it may be -- now, and in the future. FAT is not an insult, and SKINNY is not an insult either, nor is it a compliment. These words are ADJECTIVES (well, FAT is a noun too), so let's stop stigmatizing them.

Even at my heaviest I have had a defined waist, but I kept it hidden because my belly and back are "problem area ". Today, I am embracing my belly and back so that I can show off my waist. It's impossible to embrace my curves by hiding under baggy clothes. You have to let go of some fears to achieve success.

Today, I accept my belly ...

for what ...

it is.

What can you find to love about you?

sukaera · July 2012

This is an AWESOME topic, I really admire your positivity with your reality, I think it's a better motivator than self hate.

I personally LOVE my ability to laugh at myself, pick myself back up after I've tripped or have fallen completely off, being able to see more often the positive out of a bad situation, and my persistence to Never Give Up!

Physically? I LOVE my face (hey, I'm cute! ;3 ) my arms and shoulders, and my thighs (they're way strong!)

today6212 · July 2012

Your positive attitude is amazing, You look amazing!!

I love my butt muscles!! Ive never had a butt or hips but toning and biking has defiantly helped them grow.

Puddles0308 · July 2012

I agree! And wow. Such an amazing strong positive post. Thank you for this.
I am a total follower of the HAES program....Healthy at every size.
I love my body. It works hard for me and I never self hate about my body or the shape of it.
The key things about my body I love are my defined waist and full hips/butt. I also love how physically strong I am.

miracle4me · July 2012

Thank You for showing the pictures and sharing the wisdom. I love the long white shirt and the shirt you twisted also is long. Do I dare hope they can be purchased online? You have good taste in the way you put the outfit together.

2FattyXFatty4 · July 2012

Thank You for showing the pictures and sharing the wisdom. I love the long white shirt and the shirt you twisted also is long. Do I dare hope they can be purchased online? You have good taste in the way you put the outfit together.

Hey Miracle, thanks! The white cami is a $5 cheapie from Walmart by Just My Size. The hot pink tank was around $10 from Old Navy. The skirt is a twofer and can be worn as a dress as well; it was $20 and from Ross. I don't spend a lot of money on clothes. Never have and never will! LOL!

_AllieCat_ · July 2012

Thank you for sharing this! It's very refreshing to read about how a woman LOVES her body for all it can do, and not just hate on it.

I love my strong legs!

Good luck with all your goals, and congratulations on the 100 pound loss. You're amazing.

Eleanorjanethinner · July 2012

Great attitude! It's very true that the path to lasting health comes by loving our bodies and being kind to ourselves instead of a cycle of dieting, binging and guilt.

It's hard to learn to be kind in the long term, though. I'm used to eating indulgent food to celebrate and also comfort eating when things aren't going well. These things feel good at the time, but don't lead to long term healthy and happiness. Difficult to reprogram a lifetime of thoughts and behaviour!

PS - my body... at the moment I'm loving my collarbones, thinner arms, emerging knees and the fact that I can walk for miles quite happily now.

JediMaster_intraining · July 2012

I

your post and congrats on losing the pounds! I admire your positive vibe about body image as I have always had a negative body image since my elementary school years (I was chubby and the quiet kid).

Today I am continuing to grow to love myself and it's quite a challenge. However, yesterday I looked in the mirror while at a retail store and noticed how fit and thin my legs have gotten. I'm VERY proud of that. I think that's the 1st time I looked in a mirror and liked a part of me! My goal is to completely love myself and gain confidence no matter what the scale says.

:flowerforyou:

miracle4me · July 2012

I have learned something through my life on earth and brutal experiences since birth. True self esteem cannot be bought with money, and it does not matter what your career is,or what your religion is, or what you accomplish in life. True Self esteem the kind you have written about is rare in my opinion. I do not know the answers but perhaps it starts as a infant.

Perhaps a baby when their needs are ignored or severely abused mentally,sexually, physically as a child, starts the chain of low self esteem. I call Low self esteem a chain because it is one experience chained after another, a person experiences the majority of the time. The chain of low self Esteem will continue until the person believes their own self worth.

There is no battered,sexually,emotionally abused woman or man that does not struggle to find self esteem. There is no abused child that will not struggle to find self esteem. This is just my opinion, people may disagree with it and that is their choice. I hate it when people say if you do not love yourself how can you expect anyone to love you. This is nonsense in my opinion and even further tears down people who struggle with low self esteem. People who say such cruel things do not realize they are giving the message the person with low self esteem is not worthy to be loved!

_TastySnoBalls_ · July 2012

such great advice, thanks for reminding me to LOVE myself while on this journey :flowerforyou:

2FattyXFatty4 · July 2012

I have learned something through my life on earth and brutal experiences since birth. True self esteem cannot be bought with money, and it does not matter what your career is,or what your religion is, or what you accomplish in life. True Self esteem the kind you have written about is rare in my opinion. I do not know the answers but perhaps it starts as a infant.

Perhaps a baby when their needs are ignored or severely abused mentally,sexually, physically as a child, starts the chain of low self esteem. I call Low self esteem a chain because it is one experience chained after another, a person experiences the majority of the time. The chain of low self Esteem will continue until the person believes their own self worth.

There is no battered,sexually,emotionally abused woman or man that does not struggle to find self esteem. There is no abused child that will not struggle to find self esteem. This is just my opinion, people may disagree with it and that is their choice. I hate it when people say if you do not love yourself how can you expect anyone to love you. This is nonsense in my opinion and even further tears down people who struggle with low self esteem. People who say such cruel things do not realize they are giving the message the person with low self esteem is not worthy to be loved!

Miracle .... we have more in common than you know. I didn't always have this self esteem for the reasons you just described. I am a two-time survivor of CSA/incest and rape as an adult and I was only able to find value in myself when I let go of the shame of what happened to me. That's what I meant earlier when I said that nobody can make me hate myself by telling me I should be ashamed of my size/weight or by calling me fat because I have been through a hell that very few can even begin to imagine. I am ashamed of NOTHING, the people who hurt me in the past and who might want to hurt me today should be ashamed of themselves. And you're right, my ability to love who I am is independent of any hope for the "reward" of other people loving me. It *is* a struggle, and while I may make it look easy, it certainly is not. I get you, I feel you, and I know exactly what you mean. Be assured that YOU are worth everything you strive to be.

LainMac · July 2012

My very strong legs that still win against either of my teen sons in a game of "push" (where you try and push the person like they are one of those sled things used in football training.) Sort of reverse tug of war.

What they don't get is that these legs have been moving 200 pounds for more than 20 years. Pushing their 140 pounds or less bodies 10 feet or so is nothing.

For my amazing sense of smell which rivals a blood hound. I can't eat a lot of "bad" food because it simply doesn't smell right.

My sense of taste with like the sense of smell, doesn't like the taste of Fake. I probably eat too much but it most of it has been real food.

cmeade20 · July 2012

I love my legs. My thighs aren't slim...but they are strong and athletic looking, and thats how I prefer them :-)

Hezzietiger1 · July 2012

Thanks for sharing!! Great topic.

I've come to the realization that I'm always gonna have a belly and I'm never going to have a butt..

but I love my athleticism and that my fitness levels keep getting better and better

At the point I LOVE to see the scale move, but I love even more getting sweaty, sore, tight, and fit in the gym.

Hezz

Meloyelo2010 · July 2012

I have learned something through my life on earth and brutal experiences since birth. True self esteem cannot be bought with money, and it does not matter what your career is,or what your religion is, or what you accomplish in life. True Self esteem the kind you have written about is rare in my opinion. I do not know the answers but perhaps it starts as a infant.

Perhaps a baby when their needs are ignored or severely abused mentally,sexually, physically as a child, starts the chain of low self esteem. I call Low self esteem a chain because it is one experience chained after another, a person experiences the majority of the time. The chain of low self Esteem will continue until the person believes their own self worth.

There is no battered,sexually,emotionally abused woman or man that does not struggle to find self esteem. There is no abused child that will not struggle to find self esteem. This is just my opinion, people may disagree with it and that is their choice. I hate it when people say if you do not love yourself how can you expect anyone to love you. This is nonsense in my opinion and even further tears down people who struggle with low self esteem. People who say such cruel things do not realize they are giving the message the person with low self esteem is not worthy to be loved!

Miracle .... we have more in common than you know. I didn't always have this self esteem for the reasons you just described. I am a two-time survivor of CSA/incest and rape as an adult and I was only able to find value in myself when I let go of the shame of what happened to me. That's what I meant earlier when I said that nobody can make me hate myself by telling me I should be ashamed of my size/weight or by calling me fat because I have been through a hell that very few can even begin to imagine. I am ashamed of NOTHING, the people who hurt me in the past and who might want to hurt me today should be ashamed of themselves. And you're right, my ability to love who I am is independent of any hope for the "reward" of other people loving me. It *is* a struggle, and while I may make it look easy, it certainly is not. I get you, I feel you, and I know exactly what you mean. Be assured that YOU are worth everything you strive to be.

Loving your honesty

I'm an abuse survivor as well but don't give it much "weight" but I'm sure it has had an impact on body image though I've never had much if any self loathing. A positive attitude, a sense of humor and optimism have gotten me through most everything in my life.

EAlexandraB · July 2012

Loving the positivity in this thread! I am another who gained in the midst of childhood abuse issues. However, I take full responsibility for gaining the weight I must now lose. I ate every bite of food. I sat on the couch reading or watching TV when I could have been riding my bike or playing a sport. I made all those choices, and now I choose to make better ones.

I love my stomach for its flatness, even now in the middle of my journey.

I love my right shoulder for recovering well from reconstructive surgery.

I love my legs and back for getting so much stronger - I can now dead lift 141lbs, where 4 months ago I was working with 35lbs on the same lift.

I love my body, in general, for rising to all the challenges I have given it since I started working out again.

amivox · July 2012

I am absolutely in love with my calve and shoulder muscles right now. They have noticeable definition for the first time in my life. I have always loved my face, especially my eyes, even at my heaviest.

graelwyn · July 2012

Nothing.
I despise my body .

2FattyXFatty4 · July 2012

Nothing.
I despise my body .

Well I hope you get the help that you need and find some peace from within. Afterall, you're the one who has to live with it. Be well. -- AJ

katkins3 · July 2012

Nothing.
I despise my body .

Well I hope you get the help that you need and find some peace from within. Afterall, you're the one who has to live with it. Be well. -- AJ

I'm happy the OP loves her body, but the question is, "What to you love about your body?"
I also despise everything about my body. I can't think of one thing I love about it or have ever loved about it.

sukaera · July 2012

Nothing.
I despise my body .

Well I hope you get the help that you need and find some peace from within. Afterall, you're the one who has to live with it. Be well. -- AJ

I'm happy the OP loves her body, but the question is, "What to you love about your body?"
I also despise everything about my body. I can't think of one thing I love about it or have ever loved about it.

Take a moment and ask yourselves, out loud, "Why? Why do I hate my body? Why can I not find one thing about my body that I like?" You might soon see that your BODY has nothing to do with the way you FEEL about YOURSELF, as a person. Who YOU are and how your BODY is; are not the same. From there, just keep asking your questions to yourself out loud.

And important thing I like to remind myself personally, is this: How I FEEL or THINK about my own body is NOT how others THINK about my body.

We are our own WORST CRITICS, but, why not be our own BEST FRIENDS?

LainMac · July 2012

We are our own WORST CRITICS, but, why not be our own BEST FRIENDS?

Amen! There are so many people who seemingly can't wait to tear you down. Why should we pick on ourselves when these people are so willing, nay eager, to do this "work" for us.

Also, I am at the age and size where any notice of beauty comes with "for your age" or "for your size" such as "You really don't have many wrinkles 'for your age' ". "You look good 'for your age' " "You move well "for your size".

Even more than to have shape to wear clothes better, I want be in shape so that I can do what I want to do. I don't think that I could "rock" a bikini without major surgery following major weight loss. But I want to walk a 5k like it is no big deal.

"At my age", I know that the physical body is just a tool. Some people's tools are shinier than others. It doesn't mean they do the work of life any better because of that shine.

miracle4me · July 2012

I have lymphoedema in my ankles and arms. I use to think it was water retention but it is a blockage in the lymphatic system with no known cure. I hated the size of my ankles and exercise is not recommended because the ankles swell up more. I did arm circles recently and my wrist swelled up 2 inches than the right wrist and the swelling has not gone down. I would cover my ankles and arms all the time. Recently I had a scare that made me appreciate my swollen ankles and love them. I was sleeping and awoke out of a sound sleep because my foot would not move, it was as if I did not have a foot. It did not go numb because i was laying on it, i was laying on my other side. I panicked big time and prayed aloud. I do not know how long this lasted maybe just a couple of minutes but it was as if my ankle and foot were gone, there was no way to move it. I learned a good lesson from this and no longer say I hate any part of my body because of the way it looks. I am grateful that my body parts work. My ankles do not look slender but they belong to me and get the job done so I can walk. My left arm and wrist is swollen but I love it and I am grateful because I can move them and type on this keyboard. I like what the OP said it is true, we better appreciate what we have it is our body and we need it .

Mrsbrandnewmeslimandtrim · July 2012

camiah · July 2012

I love that it can do so much more than I ever thought it could.

curvysunshine · October 2012

It's so nice to see a topic like this. I've been almost scared to dive into the forums because they're teeming with fat hate. I don't hate myself. I'm fat. It's true. I'm losing weight. That's also true. Know what else is true? I'm strong and getting stronger. My husband loves me no matter what size I'm at. And whether I lose it all or not, no one is going to make me hate my body. I have muscular calves and thighs. I have a nice long neck. I can see my collarbones, just enough. I love my hair, even though it's frizzy sometimes. I have nice eyes. I'm starting to really like the muscles peeking through in my back. I am awesome and no one is going to tell me otherwise.

TorontoDiane · October 2012

so glad to see everyone thinking positive about their bodies !!!!

we need to be proud of ourselves and be thankful that we have a great body that we can cherish while we continue to look after ourselves the best way we can !!!

Body+: What Do You Love About Your Body

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