The sun is shining. The sky is blue. Summer is just around the corner (at least on this side of the globe). And thus, with a smile and the sweet promise of a vacation, the self loathing begins.
Oddly enough, poor self image has nothing to do with our actual size. Some of my most well rounded friends are constantly complaining about the way they look. My sister (who I swear can wear her 6 year-old-and-skinny daughter’s clothing) has been guilty of self bashing her figure as well. I complain too, but that’s understandable 😉
Summer is the season that brings out the worst of our self image and this is not surprising at all. Cute tank tops and bathing suits are hanging on department stores’ displays. Magazines are filled with perfect photoshopped images of skinny models. Fashion becomes less forgiving and there is less material for camouflage…
Therefore I suggest that just before the season officially starts we will try to nip our self loathing habit in the bud.
For this week’s journaling prompt write a love letter to your body.
- Write everything you love about your body. What are your strongest features?
- Write how your body has been there for you when times were tough.
- Write how your body represents who you are and makes you stand out in the crowd.
- Write about the way your body represents your hard work, strong will and resistance.
This isn’t about beauty or feeling beautiful, it’s about appreciating your body and loving it.
Share
Are you going to join the self loathing group or are you going to love your body this summer?
Share and leave a comment on this post.
If you liked this post subscribe to my feed:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe by EmailTags: body image, journaling, Journaling Prompt, self healing
I am so glad of this prompt! I know I shouldn’t post this … but I do have a point!
The other day we were perusing some old photos and ran across vacation pictures from seven years ago. A group of us when to Cancun and there was a photo of this rather attractive, trim woman … I was a bit jealous when my hubby said “Whoa!” and I said “Who IS that?”.
It was ME. And I looked ‘hot’ so to speak – in a bathing suit even! My point? I thought I was fat then. And ugly. And whenever I think of losing weight, I just tell myself, “What is the point? I have always been fat so I always will be.” Not true. Three kids later (and self medicating with chocolate to control my stress) I am overweight now. And I want to be healthy for my kids. Not overweight because of them. And, yeah, I want to be ‘hot’ for my vanity too.
Having said that though, I also need to say … this wonderful body of mine has carried three baby boys and delivered them safely into this world. I have nursed all three boys for one year … exclusively WHILE working full-time. I could not be more proud of that.
Thank you for sharing. I’m in awe – three children + nursing + maintaining a full time job => you’ve got an incredible body!!!
Wonderful prompt. I am working on my response right now.
Thanks. I’m looking forward to hearing back from you 🙂
Thank you for this prompt. I have written my letter on my blog…
http://yyam.blogspot.com/2009/05/love-letter-to-my-body.html
Your love letter is wonderful. Thank you for sharing. (I tried to leave a comment on your blog, but your comment settings didn’t allow it…)