One Size Does NOT Fit All

In today's society, there are to many different influences contributing to our view of body image. Unfortunately, most of these influences contribute to a distorted view of body image. Influences like Hollywood, advertisements, super models, magazines, Victoria's Secret angels, even Pintrest, teach women that there is one way to look to be considered beautiful, and that one way is NOT how you look now. It doesn't particularly matter what you look like, but it's wrong. Unless you have a perfect size 2 frame with some perky C cups, you are not beautiful.

This is a major pet peeve of mine, the idea that one size fits all. Who gets the right to define beauty with a size? The Webster dictionary defines beauty as "the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit". Where in that definition does it say anything about size? NOWHERE! Where in that definition does it even address the body as a tool to measure beauty with? NOWHERE! Beauty is not defined by a number. It is defined as a quality that "exalts the mind or spirit".

So ladies, stop striving to achieve someone else's ideal body. Stop envying your sister's booty or your best friend's waistline. Stop coveting your neighbor's backside or your personal trainer's arms. And for goodness sake, stop comparing yourself to Pintrest! 

There are two points I want you to take home today. The first is that your beauty is not tied to your pant size. Your beauty comes from within. It comes from the person you choose to be each day. It comes from the love you give to family and friends, the compassion you share with those in need, and the kindness you show to strangers. Beauty is who you are, not what you look like. To be beautiful is to exalt what is inside of you. To exalt that wonderful worth you possess.

The second point is that you should strive for your optimal body. Note I did not say your ideal body, but your optimal body. As we've discussed in previous posts, that means more than just being in incredible shape. Optimal means performing at it's best. Your body will perform at it's best when it is fueled with the best foods, given appropriate rest, and used for a greater purpose. As a mother, I don't need the body of an Olympian. I need a body that can chase after a toddler, lift a truck full of groceries, and bend behind the refrigerator. I need a body that can deal with emotional and physical stress brought on by building a family. That is my optimal because that is my purpose.

So today, take some time to consider these two things. Consider what you can do to exalt your mind and spirit. Look at the most precious parts of your soul and bring those parts to life! Let the world see how wonderful you truly are! Consider what is your optimal body. What do you need your body to be able to do? Don't think in numbers and sizes, think about your purpose in life. What is most important to you and how can your body help you achieve greatness in that area? Most importantly, allow your body to manifest the wonderful worth you carry inside.