Love Your Body Challenge – Day 17 12

Posted In Body Image

(Psssst! If you’re “late” to the challenge and just getting started, that’s OK too! Just go at your own pace! Start with this blog post and scroll to the bottom, and make sure you have what you need to complete the challenge and fill out the 10 questions you need to fill out before you get started. Then you can take it day by day at your own pace!)

Recap

Welcome to Day 17 of the Love Your Body Challenge! I am so glad you’re here. Yesterday was Day 16 and the reason to love your body was:

“Because it looks amazing in a dress and heels.”

Hopefully you recognized that the “dress and heels” is simply filler for “whatever makes you feel sexy and confident.” We talked about how feeling confident about your outer appearance contributes to feeling amazing on the inside as well. Here’s what a couple of you had to say:

“For so long I wore baggy clothes because I was comfortable and they hid my curves, and I thought I looked thin. Which really wasn’t the case. Then about 2 years ago I decided that I would wear clothes that fit my body, show off the effort and time I put into creating a more muscular, yet feminine build.

I was so uncomfortable at first, I didn’t like what I saw. It’s been an uphill battle for me. It eventually became easier to wear the tighter clothes. Because now when I wear baggy clothes I am uncomfortable. My new favorite pieces are more form fitting or pieces that show off my legs. And I always wear some cool boots or shoes.

THANKS for bringing this issue to light, I don’t want my awesome nieces to struggle with this, because it can be very painful and unproductive.” – Maria

“I love wearing my tank workout top that shows off my strong shoulders & arms. As I continue to make changes in becoming healthier & fitter my arms & shoulders always seem to develop & change first. I find myself standing up straighter & checking out the different lines & cuts developing in my reflection. I feel strong. I feel unstoppable.” – Sandy

These stories are so awesome to read. Thank you for sending them in! And now, Day 17.

Reason #17 To Love Your Body

17. Because it’s connects me to an amazing groups of individuals – women.

Community. It’s an absolutely critical component of the human experience. We all seek community of some sort. Even those who are introverted or those who replenish their energy by being alone — even those people seek some sort of community at certain times.

Honestly, that’s why I think groups like Girls Gone Strong, and certain blogs of mine like It’s Hard Out Here For a Fit Chick, and Cellulite, Stretch Marks, and a Love Your Body Challenge have been so popular. We seek to be heard, and to have our feelings validated and understood. There’s not much you can experience that’s worse than feeling like you are alone and that no one understands what you’re going through.

And that’s why you should absolutely love your body. It gives you an instant connection to other women who can instantly help you feel heard, validated, and understood. Whether it’s a bad breakup, body image issues, PMS, starting your own business, or clawing your way to the top of your industry, you will likely find that other women are your best: friends, confidantes, resources, shoulders to cry on, and mentors.

I don’t know about you, but I can just look at my best friend, my Mom, or my sisters and we know instantly know what the other person is thinking. This bond is unbreakable and beautiful.

Mantra: “My body connects me to other incredible women, and for that, I am grateful.”

Repeat this (to yourself or out loud) 10 times right now, 10 times during your action step, and 10 times before bed.

Action step: Take 5 minutes to write down your best memories and bonding moments with other women in your life. You should be thinking back to moments and events when you felt extremely accepted and understood. Relish in those irreplaceable memories.

That’s all for today! See you tomorrow!

FIND DAY 16 HERE