I don't want to be happy with this body... 

Dear Readers:

Do I have readers? I would welcome your comments on and questions for this blog! 

I don't have an email to respond to today, but I was forwarded this article by a colleague and it reminded me of something a client said to me in session.  This very beautiful, young, curvaceous woman and I were discussing her harsh and negative self-talk about her body, and the potential advantages of size acceptance. She emphatically said that she doesn't want to be happy with the body she's been given. Hmm...

http://www.pdnpulse.com/2009/08/photo-of-averagesized-woman-astonishes-glamour-readers-.html

What would happen if we decided to like our bodies? What if we really appreciated what our bodies do for us and not just what they look like? Here's a favorite fantasy of mine:  one day, all of the media we are bombarded with at every moment - all of the bus shelters, billboards, magazine covers, TV commercials, etc., etc., etc., - all display images of 'average' looking people in all shapes and sizes. How would this miracle change our perception of ourselves and others? Would we stop the incessant self-comparison and get along with each other? Would we do our jobs better, be better friends and lovers, get more out of life? I think so. 

How many times have you said, "I'd like to _________ (dance, play a sport, take a class), but I can't until I lose weight and look better." Doesn't it make more sense to do things that make you happy with your body as it is right now? You may just end up feeling better about yourself. And that's a good thing. Really. 

Ellen