What Are You Waiting For?
Posted in Body Image on June 11th, 2010Have you ever told yourself, “As soon as I lose some weight, I will ______ (fill in the blank)? I have heard so many people say this and have been guilty of it myself. Some of the ones I hear are:
“When I lose weight, I will…
Go to the beach or hang out at the pool.
Buy some good clothes.
Start walking, riding a bike, etc.
Feel better about myself.
Finally be happy.
Go on a cruise.
Treat myself to a manicure and/or pedicure.
Start dating again.
Wear the type of clothes I like.
And the list can go on and on. What would you fill the blank in with? What are you putting off until you change your body?
Well, the real question is “WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???” You don’t have to wait for anything. You can go to the beach or pool TODAY. You can buy the good clothes for yourself NOW, just the way you are. You can choose to feel better about yourself each and every new day. Go on that cruise, start dating again, wear the clothes you want to!
Waiting for your body to change to allow yourself to do certain things is a form of self-deprivation, or “restriction”. Do you restrict the type of clothes you buy until you can buy the “right” size? Do you restrict yourself from enjoying the beach or pool because you “can’t be seen in a swimsuit”? Restriction, whether it is in the form of food restriction (anorexia), or in other areas, is not conducive to living a full and joyful life. Try to make peace with your body, learn to love and enjoy it. Enjoy all the things your body lets you do. Don’t restrict yourself. That will only restrict your joy in life.
Lighten up and do the things that you enjoy, and treat yourself well. You will be a happier person for it and will be available to others in your life, instead of always worrying about what you “can’t do until you lose weight”. Stop being at war with your body!