xp: I hate my body...

Interesting and sad article about women and their self image. The study also stated that women who exercise regularly, regardless of their size or shape, have a better self image.

Sad indeed.  I know that I definitely feel better about my body when I'm exercising and moving.  What a gift of WLS to be able (and want) to move more.  I'm loving my new Pilates and Yoga classes because they help me connect to how well my body really does work.  Do I still have layers of fat that I could hate?  Yup.  But for today I choose to find the things about my body that make me feel joyful.

I was looking in a Shape magazine last night and there was a beautiful athletic model.  I decided she must be around 13 or 14 years old.  Being 60 it's much easier to understand that I'll never look like that, but it must be so tough on the women in their 20's who think that somehow they'll attain that look.  It's just not gonna happen.

Yes this is a sad article. And while I applaud Glamour for publishing it, the fashion/women's magazine has a major role in this bad body image issue. Gotta admit I don't read this stuff any more so maybe its changed, but pencil thin models are still featured in most ads for clothing and beauty products. Women of all sizes and shapes and ages can look wonderful and there needs to be more emphasis on this and on building personal character which is what ultimately attracts good men. I had given up but met my also fat future husband at a health club when we were the "before" pictures. Sweet and funny people come in all kinds of packages. I wish young women could learn this earlier than I did.    Diane

I don't read glamour either, never did. They had the report on the Today show this morning.

I also thought it was interesting that the picture at the top of the article was of a beautiful naked woman...go figure!

mary

I really note the difference in how I inhabit myself anymore when I exercise and when I dont.  I dont know if its age, or what, but - honestly, I wouldnt go back and be 20 something or even 30 something, not for a zillion bucks.

Not a zillion.  And that's a lot.

I hear.

That is a lot......like infinity.....plus one!

sad, indeed. seems like it never changes either.

reason number 10 bazillion and one to exercise!! 

Hi Abejita,

I know this girl, she lives in side of me sometimes... I so look forward to reading this and stopping that inner mean dialogue.

I am sooooooooo lucky to have the body I have, I am way too critical of my tummy and thighs, I got this comment today from a  dear friend:

Dear Cindy:
Have I ever told you what a BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT YOU HAVE inside that
BEAUTIFUL BODY (with all of that gorgeous hair!)?
You are too sweet. I like very much the approach of EDUCATING people
about CC. Take care my dear.
Love Margot

I get compliments all the time, but my inner meanie wins out over them all the time.  I need to stop it and learn to accept and appreciate who I am and what I have.

I can't wait to read it, I will be back to comment.  I am looking forward to working on that inner mean girl.  The new me is getting stronger by the day, and she won't put up with much more from that meanie....

Hugs,

Cindy