The Body Image Big Picture

Not too long ago I was watching a program on TLC about a woman who had a rare disease that caused her legs to grow to an enormous size. She struggled to walk around, drive, or really do anything at all. Because she was so fiercely independent though, she insisted on doing all of these things and living alone. She would not allow doctors to amputate her legs because then she would have to rely on others for assistance. And the most inspiring thing of all was her attitude. She was so positive! She recognized that she had obstacles to overcome, but she wasn't going to let it get her down, or keep her from doing the things she wanted to do.

I turned off the program and sat on my bed for a moment, awestruck. I have been complaining about my body since I was a teenager, and not for one minute have I stopped to think about how unbelievably blessed I am to have a healthy, fully functioning body to get around in and to do the things that I love to do. Right then and there I decided I was going to stop complaining about my body and start cherishing it.

This has been a very liberating revelation. I used to think about my weight all the time, and think that if I could just lose 10 pounds or so, I would be a lot happier. I would look in the mirror and pick myself apart for everthing that I thought was wrong with my figure. Well, no more. Now when I feel like criticizing my body, I think about all of the things that it allows me to do. And I thank the universe for my health. Then I might do a little dance just to drive the message home to my stubborn head.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy and take care of your body. That has become my focus. I don't want to waste any more time thinking about what my body isn't. From now on I'm going to focus on what it is and how lucky I am to have it.