 With Mothers Day right around the corner, it's a great time to reflect on all those women who raised us and regularly displayed superhero powers in disguise. "Whether it's them flying in out of nowhere to help you find that shirt that you swore was in your bottom drawer but is now lost and you absolutely must wear today; calming you down when you take the curlers out of your hair an hour before prom only to realize that there's a good chance your date might mistake you for a poodle; or talking you off the ledge the first year you do your taxes on your own, moms have this omniscient extrasensory perception that seems to give them advanced degrees in almost anything at a moment's notice".(Source: SparkPeople).
For Moms struggling with weight or body image, any offhand remark can make their mark. My youngest was about 8 or 10. We were at a new EMT Dr appointment. At the end of the appointment, the Dr. and I were finishing up our discussing and she was making notes in his chart. All of a sudden, he told us how much he loved to eat and how he can eat anything he wants and doesn't gain weight. The Dr and I both looked at each other like "ok, where did that come from". Then my son proceeded to say "my mom, when she wears her running shorts, her fat hangs over it". After I was completely mortified, we did our best to get out of there before anything else was "shared". I've always struggled with body image and weight. My insecurity runs deep.
Our children are always listening to everything we say and do. Even if we are joking, those little ears are learning and developing from those expressions. After hearing negative self-talk about their mother's body, the foods she eats or the exercise she may or may not be making time for, it's possible for a daughter to question her own choices and body image over time. By commenting negatively or bringing attention to self-perceived flaws and shortcomings, we teach our children that one particular standard of beauty (be it thin thighs, muscular arms or your personal benchmark for body success) is desirable and that self-worth suffers until that standard is achieved.
Yes, weight loss is tough. We are all going to have those bad days. It's a hard road, and we are going to get off the path. The important thing is to balance that negative self-talk and positive talk. Practice swapping a complaint with something positive. Don't be afraid to talk to your child about "why" you are on this fitness journey. Help them understand every body is different and being as healthy as you can be is the most important. Celebrate the body you have in the meantime by cutting yourself some slack and enjoying a cupcake on the porch without guilt or skipping your workout for a day at the pool when that spring weather is calling to you.
This week, focus on your own self-worth by seeing yourself through the eyes of someone who loves you. To them, you're already beautiful and it's about time you started treating yourself that way, too.
xoxoxox
Colleen!
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