Are You Ashamed of Your Body?
For this week, I thought I’d revisit a past post. One that I still receive comments about. In it, I share about body shame—a topic I know so many women and men are currently struggling with. Hope you find this post inspiring.
Here goes:
I got inspired at a 4th of July pool party because I found myself completely comfortable in my bikini and not self-conscious at all.
If that ain’t a victory, I don’t know what is!
I remember, not so long ago, actually passing on social events like going to the beach, or the pool, or even something that required wearing shorts because I was so ashamed and embarrassed by my body.
I thought my breasts were too small, my butt too big and my lower half just had WAY too much cellulite. So, I chose to stay home and hide.
I kept myself small. I was oppressing myself and dimming my own light because of the immense shame, guilt and self-loathing I felt.
I’m sure many of you have felt the same. And, I’m here to tell you I understand exactly what you are feeling and to let you know that FREEDOM is possible.
I can already hear some of you saying, “Well, if I had your body I wouldn’t be self-conscious in a bikini either.”
Here’s the deal. I’m going to be completely honest. That sort of thinking is a trick of your ego and will continue to keep you small, limited and staying EXACTLY where you are right now.
So, if you are happy with EXACTLY where you are right now, great. But, if you’re not, keep reading.
I’ve had women attend my workshops who are anywhere from just over 100 lbs. to way over 200 lbs. And, you know what, the issue is still EXACTLY THE SAME for both! Because that issue is inside our minds.
That saying “Don’t judge someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes,” is true for a reason. You have no idea what someone has been through or is going through, especially when it comes to their body.
So, this week I invite you to remember that every time you go to compare your body to someone else’s. That person may be smaller than you, but they may also be completely miserable for reason’s beyond your comprehension.
I also invite you to stretch out of your comfort zone in honor of experiencing life. Say YES to fun, even if that means having to wear shorts or a tank top. You don’t have to go straight for the bikini. Even baby steps count!
The point is to tackle the fear that is built up inside you. The fear that other’s are going to judge you or that you will be seen as (heaven-forbid) not perfect.
FACT: The fear is always worse than actual reality. My guess is that you’ll find that no one is even looking at your body because they are too concerned about their own.
And, by facing your fear, what if you actually have A DARN GOOD TIME!? What if you actually move beyond the insecurity and experience joy and pleasure?
Maybe you feel alive from the cold water on your skin, or the heat from the sun on your thighs that haven’t seen the light of day since you were 12!
You know, if I had a boyfriend I was ashamed of and wanted to keep hidden from my “life”, I probably wouldn’t have a boyfriend for very long. No one likes to be kept a secret. Right?
Imagine how your body feels! She hasn’t done anything wrong.
So, let her out to shine! Take a big leap and face that fear. You can do it sista! And, if you need extra support, ask a friend to do it with you.
Ladies, we gotta start supporting each other and seeing the beauty that we already are!
Ok. That’s your BIG assignment this week. I really really want to hear from you on this one. I have a feeling some big reactions are being stirred right now.
One last thing. Before you completely poo-poo this and say NO. Ask yourself why? Do you not deserve to feel joy? Pleasure? Do you not deserve to experience life?
Love,
Amber