Workout. Because You Love Your Body. Not Because You Hate It

In a world where we are inevitably forced to compare ourselves to others, recognizing personal worth and achievements are often measured on a scale based on society’s view of perfection. This includes not just weight or size, but skin texture, curl type, facial features, height, and anything that society seems to have an unsolicited opinion on.
Who is the jury? Who decides what is acceptable and what is not?
We are all different. And there lays the beauty of the world we live in. Let that sink in.
I am different and that’s what makes me unique. I embrace my uniqueness and I allow myself to be the best and the healthiest version of myself.
You don’t like your body, I get it. We all experience this feeling.
But your body is more than loose skin, cellulite, wrinkles and fat.
It allows you to do so many things, to move, to think, to act…we often cannot even imagine how delicate machinery our body is. What you see and what you “hate“ is just an ever-changing facade of something so perfect and beautiful.

Staying active on a layover, one walk (or jump) at a time. Azores

Let’s start by writing down all the things that you love about your body. Let that be your focus. Keep on writing until you come up with at least 20 things. Yes, 20. And each week try adding another one to the list. You will be amazed.
Loving our bodies is pivotal for our overall well-being. It fuels self-acceptance, cultivates confidence, and diminishes negative self-talk (I am guilty of that). It prompts us to care for ourselves better, setting boundaries that respect our well-being.
Above anything else, being healthy (mentally and physically) is far more important than your clothing size. And that goes in both directions, being too skinny or overweight. Let your main focus be your health.
I exercise to gain focus and clarity, to let go of the emotions…and, oh that sweaty feeling after the good training is just great - full endorphin boost. I love it. I like to alternate my physical activities; throughout the year, depending on the weather I will incorporate weight lifting, yoga, running, speed walking and ballroom dance classes. I am not aspiring to be a professional athlete or a dancer, and I am certainly far from ever wanting to have a six-pack; my main goal is my health and how that activity makes me feel. Once I get stuck in the gym, I will go on and do something entirely different. It is extremely important to do what you enjoy. Going to the gym and hating every second of it is only going to make you feel miserable. Don’t do that to yourself. Find an activity that resonates with you. That’s an entirely different game.

Shifting the focus from goal-driven achievement (I exercise because I need to lose weight) to simply enjoying what you do ( I feel good when I am at the dance class, when I am in the downward facing dog, or when I lift weights, etc.) will give you the sense of empowerment and self-worth which will ultimately lead to self-confidence and most importantly Self Love.

The only person who can determine your worth is you.
Be kind to yourself and love what you do.

Ivana