Inside Out
So often we become entangled in the web of fake, unrealistic, superficiality that pop culture, media, and advertisements present as go-to standards of beauty. Creams that supposedly create flawless skin and guarantees to lose three dress sizes in ten days bombard our television and online experiences constantly. Filtered selfies and photoshopped abs have quickly taken the place of good old fashion hard work, time, and patience on the journey to health and wellness. Somehow these outlets have convinced us that health generates from the outside in and beauty is only skin deep. In fact, we’ve become so brainwashed as a society that we’d rather fake the attainment of outlandish standards than fall in love with who we are in this very moment. I mean…God forbid we actually embrace true self love!
In my opinion, THAT is one of the biggest issues we face as a culture – the inability to love and accept ourselves right where we are. Personally, I take physical fitness very seriously. I really do love it! But that’s me…those are my personal goals! I’ve been an athlete my entire life, but I haven’t always been at the top of my game as an adult. Like most, I’ve had my bouts with slipping and sliding during difficult seasons. But I hate to see or hear anyone feel hopeless and worthless in the midst of their journey. “I’ll never have a body like that…If I don’t look like her, I’m a failure.” We have become a culture hell bent on volunteering ourselves to self-shame. The truth is, no one should want a body like his or hers when your best is perfectly fine. The desire to look like, sound like, or even act like anyone other than yourself, and deprive yourself and the world of the unique beauty that is you is the real shame.
Health doesn’t always have a “look.” We come from a culture that has learned to spend its money on quick fixes and destroy its self-esteem when lies are presented as reality. True health is a process that takes place from the inside out. Perfectly healthy looking people can make choices that compromise their well-being. The next person may not “look the part” to you, but they are making positive strides along their journey. Perhaps, there may be some of us who don’t have goals of building rock hard abs. That’s fine, too! Just be healthy and take care of yourself. That’s the most important goal…any and everything else will happen naturally.
The takeaway…Love the skin you’re in today. If you have a goal, attain it. Embrace the fact that it won’t happen overnight. It will take time, patience, and lots of grit…but enjoy the journey! The lessons we learn in life are always realized in the tough places. You are just as beautiful and special today as you will be when you accomplish your goal. Much love.
