Breaking the Scale: A Journey to Body Positivity
The Scale's Silent Struggle
The battle with the scale is not exclusive to me. It's a silent struggle many women face, not out of indifference but due to the profound impact it can have on our day. Avoiding the scale is a skill—a form of self-preservation, an attempt to shield myself from the potential wreckage it can inflict.
The Scale's Deceptive Game
In the past, the scale was a daily ritual—a source of self-torture. Yet, I've come to understand its limitations. Fitness gurus advocate abandoning it, emphasizing the importance of how we feel and how our clothes fit. But, despite this conscious knowledge, the illogical realm of self-worth often takes over.
Equating Weight to Value: A Detrimental Strategy
The lifelong game of equating weight to value is a destructive strategy. Many women, myself included, have fallen into this trap, leading to a relentless internal battle. The cycle of setting unrealistic goals, followed by self-loathing when those goals aren't met, becomes an enduring struggle.
Early Seeds of Insecurity: Puberty's Arrival
The roots of this struggle trace back to puberty, an impressionable time when societal norms and personal insecurities collide. In the sixth grade, I vividly recall feeling "fat" for the first time, navigating a maze of body changes and societal expectations. The comparison game began, fueled by influences like media and societal ideals.
Media Influence and Unattainable Standards
Saved by the Bell and '90s, the media perpetuated unattainable body standards, exacerbating the challenges of adolescence. While today's era embraces inclusivity and body positivity, the advent of social media introduces a new layer of comparison and unattainable perfection, creating a different set of challenges for young women.
Diet Pills and Unrealistic Ideals
The '90s era brought forth infomercials, fad diets, and diet pills. The pursuit of an elusive happiness, tethered to a perceived 10-pound weight loss, led me into a regrettable affair with diet pills. It wasn't just a misguided attempt at weight management; it sparked years of panic attacks, revealing the darker side of the quest for an ideal body.
Comparison and the Unseen Enemy
Remarkably, no one ever called me fat. The fat-shaming dialogue was a self-made narrative. The fixation on an arbitrary weight, unattainable and unhealthy, was my own fabrication. Comparison, an unseen enemy, robbed me of appreciating my unique body, sparking a perpetual cycle of self-doubt.
Steps to Heal: A Better Relationship with Your Body
Compliment Yourself: Counter self-criticism with self-affirmation. Accept compliments graciously.
Move Your Body: Embrace physical activity. Breathe, stretch, and feel the positive effects on your well-being.
Take Care of Your Mind: Prioritize mental well-being. Meditate, journal, seek therapy, limit social media exposure, and avoid unhealthy comparisons.
Be Kind to Yourself: Understand that progress is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate the small victories, and remember, moderation is key.
Embracing Imperfections in a Perfectly Imperfect Body
The journey to body positivity is ongoing. It involves rewriting the internal narrative, breaking free from societal expectations, and embracing imperfections. By dismantling the scale's power and implementing self-love practices, we pave the way for a healthier relationship with our bodies that celebrates uniqueness and resilience.
Love,
LVL