Your Body Does Not Define You

Hey Guys,

In this post we’re going to discuss body image!

I'm going to be quoting from Intuitive Living by Pandora Paloma and also get statements from amazing people on the question ‘Do you believe that people are more than their body?’ and share my own opinions.

So first of all, I decided I wasn’t happy with my body, I kinda put on weight from the depression spell I went through and I found clothes not fitting anymore and I think I put on a real tight top for ballet and then I looked at myself in the mirror and then I decided it was definitely time.

As soon as lockdown hit, I just used this time to improve myself and the main thing I wanted was to feel confident and comfortable in my own skin. I didn’t actually compare myself to anyone except myself, how I used to look and that was enough to make me do something about it.

"Everyone has a different body type, take pride in it!"

I think when we compare ourselves to others, it causes us to not feel good about ourselves. Of course, everyone has a different body shape, I pride myself on being an hourglass, apparently they’re rare.

Catwalk models normally have a column shape and that’s when I've noticed some people find themselves miserable. Unless you have that body structure, you’re not going to be able to achieve that body type. Everyone has a different body type, you can find yours online and when you do I’d take pride in it!

The only reason I'd encourage people to lose weight, is when it’s recommended for your physical health and that helped motivate me, when I read the NHS guidelines.

So I started my 30 day jump rope challenge, which I’m going to do everyday/other day just until I reach my goal and I've lost 2 inches already, I swear one was from giving up sugar. I started the jump rope challenge to also clear my head everyday, not get depressed in lock down and I totally encourage everyone to give it a try #crystallinejumps.

So I’m going to leave you a few bullet points from Intuitive Living page 185, these are things to keep in mind.

• Having a bigger body doesn't make you any less worthy of love, respect, attention or happiness.

• A number on the scales does not define your worth or your success.

• Your worth is not determined by your physical appearance.

• Getting to a certain size does not make you a better, more intelligent or successful person.

• You are so much more than your body.

• Your right weight is the weight you reach when you're living your healthiest and happiest life.

• No one is looking at you. Get out of your head.

I remember when I just didn’t care, I would look at myself and think 'meh, whatever happening is'.

I had no self respect.

I think it changed when I was getting ready for ballet at home (because that's life now) and I put on a t-shirt and was shocked. I didn't like what I saw and I compared myself to how it used to be and I wanted to change it.

In my eyes I think it was healthier, than compared to another person's body, my sister and I decided we wanted a change. She told me she was struggling, I told her to put up and I quote 'skinny bitches' and I mean that with no offence, but to put people up, who are your desired weight on your cupboards.

This was something she was doing for herself to improve her lifestyle and along with that her mental health. I saw dramatic changes in mine, I just felt more confident.

So I asked a few amazing and inspirational Instagram and anonymous people a question 'Do you believe people are more than their body image?' here’s what I got:

“I believe I am more than my body image. I'm not entirely comfortable with my body but I know I am happy. I am losing weight for my health, yet I do not care what size I am. I am loved for me, my body is a temple but my personality is much more. You can have a beautiful body, but an ugly personality. I know which one I would rather.”

“Indeed The body is just a vehicle for the soul to walk around while it is on its current lifetime / learning curve.”

“I mean I dont think bodies are that important. Just meat armour for our brains” “Spiritual beings on a human journey”

“Yes absolutely, people are more than their bodies”

“Omg, yes! There is soooooo much more to a person than just their body. There is so much deeper than flesh and how people feel inside, makes a huge difference just to how people carry themselves! To feel happy, warm and loved, or love others, you see people stand tall, open and friendly. But when there’s hurt, sadness and worry, people become closed distant and even rude, just to avoid more pain. But I don't care about someone’s size, shape or height! I focus on the bond we can share between us! That's what’s most important, especially now! I can’t see anyone, so what does it matter how their body is?? I need to talk to them and listen to them right now! Xx”

“To me you are so much more than a body, your body does not define your future, goals and achievements. Your body is just the flesh and muscles your soul lives in. Your soul is the one making all the good happen, your soul defines how good of a person you truly are. The reflection you see in a mirror is just the home you live in. People should be appeared and perceived by their morals, achievements and goals not just on how skinny or curvy they are. That does not define you, you can be a size 8 yet have the most awful soul doing bad deeds. So make good use of the body you were sent in to earth and create extraordinary goals and reach them!💜” @BodyImagePositive

“I couldn't believe this statement more. our bodies are simply vessels (albeit pretty cool ones!) that allow us to do, think, feel and say amazing things - and it’s those things that make us who we truly are. one of my favourite quotes is from ‘the help’ by kathryn stockett: ‘you is kind, you is smart, you is important’ — those are the things our bodies allow us to be, which is why we are so much more than what we look like!” @aspoonfulofalice

"The Buddha said 'comparison is the thief of joy' we're all different and we all have unique body's."

We are the way we are for a reason, it will take time to accept and love yourself for who you are. It may seem impossible, but nothing really truly is. You have gifts, talents and if you think someone won't love you for the way you are, you're wrong, there is someone out there waiting to find you.

But for now take time to love yourself, you could even be brave and take the mirror challenge, these things will take time. It's not your fault you feel the way you do. Try your best to stop the habit, change your thoughts from thinking 'I'm fat' to 'I'm comfortable'.

Thanks so much to everyone that contributed.