Let Go of Ideals
From computer screens to mobile devices, social media constantly exposes us to pictures of men and women with beautifully chiseled bodies like broad shoulders, tiny waists, carved arms, and washboard abs. These are just a few ideals many of us wish we could see in the mirror; The “perfect body image”.
We must admit: We’re bombarded with hundreds of ideas about fitness and the rock-hard body that we think should come with it, right?
Instead of approaching our fitness journey with self-love and care, we approach it with some kind of expectation that those pictures are how we have to look right now. We might even be guilty of making it the only reason why we bother to start.
We don’t hit the ideal right away. Most ideals are months and sometimes years in our future. It is no fun when you have started dieting and exercising day in and day out and for the first few weeks, we hardly notice a change.
None of these ideals happen overnight anyway.
Once you reach your goal, you might start thinking to yourself, “That’s not enough.” You’re not content.
*“My waist still isn’t like hers.”
*“My shoulders aren’t big enough.”
You still don’t have that picture-perfect body you think you should have.
Maybe if we stopped focusing on the illusion of the ideal, we could look ourselves in the mirror with love instead of disdain.
Striving for an ideal can cause unnecessary stress in both our mind and body. It might even cause us to give up on any efforts we have put in so far. Being over critical of yourself is just as unhealthy.
Think back to when you first started your fitness journey. Did you start for the purpose of improving your self-image?
While our physique is a bonus of being active, think of the other great benefits you’ll reap just because you started and didn’t give up.
Think of what you’ll be able to do in the future, and the physical potential you can uncover. Think of the mountain you’ve always wanted to hike, the marathon you’ve always wanted to participate in, or something closer to home like wanting to keep up with your kids.
These are all things to celebrate! As your fitness improves, you’ll start to see and feel your body change. How our bodies look is truly just a bonus in the midst of conquering these victories we’re so quick to dismiss. Let go of the ideals and appreciate what you see in the mirror at this moment.
Fitness loves your body. It doesn’t care about your shape or size – it just cares that you’re doing it.
Stop comparing yourself to others and love yourself through each stage of YOU, in all its shapes and sizes.
-- MJ