. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the topic being talked about this year is body image. I have been researching this subject for a blog I write for work and, as coincidence would have it, this week I received a message from a "friend" saying that she is struggling to keep her weight under 62kg (around 9.5 stones for those of us who still use old money). This is making her "feel that her body is gross" and so, she says, she now understands how I feel about my body. I've been thinking about what she said and decided to write an open letter in response - here goes............... "When I initially read your message I was hurt and angry. You seem to be under the impression that I think my body is "gross" because I am overweight? Girl, you've got me all wrong!! Like a lot of women, I have issues with body image and there are parts of my body that I struggle to love - but I certainly don't view my body as gross! This body is an amazing vessel that has done incredible things! Take my belly for instance - it's big and it's flabby. But that's not all it is. Inside it has grown two beautiful children, who have grown into talented, kind women that are making the world a better place just by virtue of their existence. That soft, flabby belly makes a great pillow for my little grandson's head to rest on while he sleeps. Then there's my arms - yes they are typical granny bingo wings! But those arms have allowed me to hold my two daughters, cuddle my grandson, hug countless family and friends and they are strong enough to propel my body for over a mile through water. I bloody love my flabby arms! My thick legs aren't bad either. They have walked me through some amazing places and taken me into all sorts of fabulous adventures. They are strong enough to pedal my bike for miles and miles at a time and put the biggest smile on my face and lift my heart when I'm sad. Let's not forget my head - with it's double chin and the beginnings of wrinkles and a saggy neck. This head has made up countless silly songs, rhymes and stories to amuse my girls, their friends and my little grandson over the years. It houses knowledge and has allowed me to be successful in business; it generates kindness and compassion to others and has even been known to come up with some pretty good writing along with a few crazy ideas!! So no, I don't think my body is gross - whatever size it is - I think it's an awesome powerhouse and I am thankful for it's strength and reliability. As such I try to fuel it with nutritious food and exercise regularly so that it will continue to carry me through many future adventures. I will NOT apologise for who I am and I will no longer wait until I'm thin enough/confident enough/strong enough to do the things I want. I will do those things in the body I have, at the size it is TODAY, with the confidence I currently possess. I hope that, on reading this, you will take time to reflect on your own body and all the incredible things it has done for you and, just maybe, you will start to love and appreciate your body and stop aspiring to an impossible "ideal body" that the media tells you you should have." So, friends, I want to send you all the same message. Research tells me that 1 in 3 of you will have body image issues that stop you from living life to the full! Try this for me: wear the sleeveless dress; get your legs out in the sun; go on that activity holiday; climb that hill; go on those nights out that you keep avoiding; LOVE YOUR BODY!!
4 Comments
Doug Flack
19/5/2019 12:02:24 pm
Very well put. I know this affects women far more than men, but I came to the same conclusion that my paunch is part of who I am and, like you, I realised this so I do the things that I want to do to the best of my ability including cycling around Britain at 74.
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Gill Thomas
19/5/2019 07:25:53 pm
Hi Doug, I realised a while after I published the blog that I had aimed it at women and I know that men have body image issues too. Maybe that will be the topics of a future piece? I’m so inspired to keep cycling further by your post! Thank you x
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Linda
19/5/2019 01:57:07 pm
What an inspirational read! I have had body image issues for 27 years, since the birth of my son. I've been called all the fat shaming words you can think of by my ex-boyfriend and work colleagues, to the point I have no self confidence at all. My new partner bought me a bike last September, but I still wear the biggest t-shirt I can find and daren't wear a cycling top!! I know at the age of 48 I should be more accepting of myself, but I will keep trying. Thank you for sharing your letter
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Gillian Thomas
19/5/2019 07:30:26 pm
Hi Linda, I’m so sorry that you have had to go through that! Makes my blood boil that people think it’s ok to comment on our bodies in that way!! Your new partner sounds like a keeper!! I love cycling and it’s only recently that I have felt confident enough to wear cycling clothes. I’m a size 24/26 and I want to be comfortable on my bike and also look good! I also have days when I hate my body and find it hard to accept myself. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing great! Keep cycling it’s so good for your mental health too. Gill xx
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