This time of year, countless ads stoke your body insecurities, prodding you to spend your discretionary income on products that promise to make you skinnier and younger-looking. As a result, you may neglect showing your body love.
Let me share a secret: I’ve learned to love my 40+ body more as it ages (and invariably surrenders to gravitational pull) by shifting my focus from how I look to how I feel. Having energy to play with my daughter and strength to move my own sofa make me happy.
My outer appearance may reflect how I feel internally, but it’s not a requirement. Are you shaking your head in disbelief?
I’ve coined an acronym for my doubtful peeps who believe it’s improbable to embrace your aging bod today (not ten pounds from now!). Make it your mantra.
Appraise yourself internally, rather than externally. Is your energy boundless? Has Pilates reduced your back pain? Can you hoist your suitcase into the overhead bin without needing assistance? Celebrate these facts.
Give yourself a break. My self-love skyrocketed the day I finally accepted the fact that I no longer looked twenty. At age 40+, there are certain garments I may never wear outside the privacy of my domicile, or activities I may not excel in (like Roller Derby) and that’s OK with me. Having that awareness allows me to take more risks because my expectations are realistic.
Express gratitude for today. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Do I really want to waste my time obsessing over gaining three pounds when the alternative is not being here? Not a chance! I’ll always choose to be thankful for the body I have now and make a commitment to stay healthy and happy.
Love the body you’re in today!
One Comment
I love this post! My 40′s were pretty darn good. The 50′s have been a real challenge but I have accepted that I may not be what I was in my 40′s or 30′s but I do good for where I am at…. not saying I don’t bit*ch about it BUT I understand it.
You look amazing & are amazing! Love this!
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