So… a lot this week about photoshopped pictures on the covers of women’s mags, and now this whole thing with a tv show that I don’t watch calling someone (who looks pretty normal to my warped mind) “too muscular.” Of COURSE it’s one of those shows totally targeted to women. Now, before I reach for my aluminum foil lined hat and start screeching about conspiracies of women keeping other women down and the constant flood of backhanded complements bombarding women (and men too) in the popular media, I want to say – its good for you to like being you.
There’s no one else in the world exactly like you – and that’s a great thing. Focus on being the best you that you can be.
Personally, I’ve created my own “ideal” and its entirely too wild for little tv dancing competitions or mainstream women’s mags for sure. There’s a heavy dose of I can do this and this and this and lift that and and still look good in a dress! Over time I noticed that the ideal became less about how to look, and more about what I can do. Be sure to work that into your goals as well – get out some paper, make some lists – if you could be/do anything – what would it be? Think of yourself as a superhero in training – be creative and have fun with your ideal-person building. Then think about what kind of fitness this new ideal will require, and start creating that path of small goals. And don’t make it all visual. I was reluctantly taking part in an “icebreaker” in college with a large group of other freshman women – we were supposed to each say something that we liked about ourselves. Not sure if it’s cultural, or what, but EVERYONE except for me named some kind of physical attribute – eyes, hair, etc. etc. I chose my creativity. So think about all the things you can do – maybe you like your ability to juggle impossible tasks, your ability to learn or teach, maybe you’re a Mom-McGuyver! Remember to like and appreciate your non-physical attributes. Life isn’t all about looks – never ever forget that! The funny part is that your new found confidence and enthusiasm for life will naturally affect your appearance too. Encourage the people in your life to achieve – don’t backhand them – there’s already too much hurt and unnecessary competition in this world as it is. Now go kick some butt and be a great example!!!
Relevant Reads:
And a good friend, Clifton Harski, RKC and MovNat Instructor, and all around cool guy wrote an insightful (and somewhat colorful in the language department) blog post about the whole “too muscular” comment made by some silly TV show.
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