Here’s the thing, in this photo of me… a few years before I met Craig… I thought I was disgusting. That’s body dysmorphia right there. I literally could not SEE what I actually, in reality looked like.
I thought I “still” needed to lose at least 20 pounds here.
First, no.
Second, why? I would tell myself it was so my “dance lines could be seen.” As if they could not already.
My mental health, just like any humans, is directly linked to my physical health. We are integrated like that.
But my weight is not part of that equation except in a results/correlation sort of way.
I must move a LOT every day to really feel like my best self, to beat the depression monster that lurks in my distracted brain.
The amount of movement that takes happens to result in a smaller body … in MY very specific case. It doesn’t work like that for everyone.
People will often think that because I encourage you to love your joybody that I am anti-weight loss.
I’m not.
I’m anti body punishment.
I’m anti self hate.
I’m anti food deprivation.
I’m anti food labeling (“good” versus “bad”).
I’m anti whatever you’re doing that is NOT joyful.
I’m not anti weight loss, but I do want you to be very clear about your weight loss goal.
Where does it come from? Is it true to your body type? Are you loving yourself? Are you moving and eating with joy and play and fun and delight at the center?
Are you living outside the constant worry about and obsession over numbers — the number on the scale, the number of the size of your pants, calorie counts, any freaking number that brings you anxiety?
How are you eating and moving lately that brings you joy? I’d love to hear.