Here in the US we are preparing to stuff ourselves silly with turkey and stuffing and gravy. The day gives us a chance, pilgrims and American folktales aside, to remember to be thankful for all that we have. Which is a lot. The fact that you are reading this implies that you have a computer, or at least access to one, and that indicates a certain level of riches. I assume that you have clean water, a warm shelter, access to information and the freedom to make changes in your life, at least to some degree. That’s pretty lucky. I also assume that you have eyes with which to see this (or ears to hear it read to you), and a mind with which you can consider things. How blessed you are!
I don’t believe it’s productive to brush superficial feelings under the carpet, but I do think it’s wise to see them balanced with all we do have. So today, and for the future, I hope, I ask that while you work on making peace with how you look physically, you also remember to consider all your body does for you. Awhile back, I posted this link on our Facebook page and I think it’s appropriate to share it again today. Thank your body. It works hard for you. It’s not perfect – maybe not inside or out – but you are alive, and hopefully more healthy than not.
Happy Thanksgiving, you beautiful mamas!
wow that’s so true! but have you seen all the publicity on America being over weight! I’m only 30 pounds over weight but he i don’t loose the weight I’ll get diabetes and heart problems. I could reverse my high blood pressure and extend my life. it is good for me to hear about bein pretty but look at all the benefits to loosin those unwanted and unneeded pounds!
It’s true that weight carries some risks. But we MUST see that we are beautiful no matter what we weigh. These are really two separate issues, intertwined by nature and society. Our self-love must encompass us no matter our faults, physical or deeper within. I am not saying we should not strive to be healthy, but that we should love ourselves no matter what. I could even wager a guess that in some cases, the health may follow the self-love naturally.
Yes, you MUST love yourself first!
I was overweight for years and it wasn’t until I learned to love it that I was strong enough to lose the weight!
Hi,
I’m the author of the post that is linked to. I’m so glad that you liked it. I’m not a mother but I love your work here!
I strongly believe in learning to love yourself and your body as you are now, so that you have a solid foundation from which to make choices like changing the size and shape of your body, plastic surgery or whatever you choose to do.
One alternative to weight loss that I personally use and blog about a lot is the concept of “Health at Every Size”. In HAES, healthy behaviors are the end goal, rather than trying to achieve a specific weight or size. The focus is on eating food that you enjoy and that nourishes your body, moving in ways that you enjoy, ceasing to live in a state of guilt and fear.
Either way, our bodies are so amazing – they deserve our gratitude!
Thank you, Ragen, for writing that. It made the world a little better just by being there. :)
This is the most wonderful photo I’ve seen on this website yet. Beautiful and moving. It could be in a magazine! Just beautiful!!
This is one of the most beautiful, touching photos on this website. Thank you for sharing.
Its feb now but thanks for the inspirational post. Happy late thanksgiving!!! This photo is so beautiful it made me tear up!!