Weigh what's really important.

I'm extremely annoyed in particular with the females I keep bumping into at work, the gym and even the conversations I over hear on the TTC. I constantly hear women talking about their bodies in such negative ways that it really saddens me to hear us as a sex getting weaker rather than empowered with the physical part of us. I'd be a hypocrite to not admit that I don't rip into myself from time to time. Who doesn't? But I strongly believe that until we force ourselves to begin to accept ourselves for who we are: well, we are going to be stuck in this pool of self pity and this ridiculous pedestal we feel that we need to attain.

After much self discipline and no will power, I forced myself to go to the gym. My motive today was to do ONE thing for me that would make me feel accomplished. It didn't matter in what shape or form. I went in there telling myself that it didn't matter weather I worked out for 10 mins or 2 hours. The point is, that I showed up and tried. And that's exactly what I did. I did my regular weights followed by some spinning. I decided to stay late and take my favorite Zumba class that kicks my ass every time without a doubt. But I was disturbed at the amount of conversation I could hear through my head phones in our line up into the work out room.

I'm so sick and tired of hearing people ESPECIALLY women talk about numbers. From their pant size to their weight. I am so fed up with seeing how women look at one another and judge. I was most importantly disgusted with how my instructor participated in this conversation and explained her "success" into her present physical appearance. I listened to them restrict themselves of foods and talk about their obligated routines in order to attain their idea of "fit" and "healthy". I had to force myself once again to sit through it and remind myself: I am not a failure because I dont view my lifestyle to have to be THAT way. After my class was done, I went to get dressed in the change room and once again these women began talking about calories, what their goal weights were and some even compared stretch marks. I could go on..

Despite the emotional wreckage I witnessed I kept my sanity by thinking: I was going to work out as hard as I could push myself. After an hour and a half of my workout, I was pooped. But I also felt great. Not only did I feel mentally more balanced than when I came in but I loved the feeling of reaching a goal. I felt in tuned with my body and I felt refreshed- as if I had just shed a layer of skin.

My point is this though. We all mingle with our friends and family about our weight. What we would and could change, what we hate, what we love, what doesn't fit.

I have recently become a strong believer in a "HEALTHY LIFESTYLE" . I think it's great to take care of yourself in every way but also it's nice to indulge in your favorite snack or a couple of beers. I believe everything in life is good for us within limitations and BALANCE.That is the key word!

So ladies and gentlemen, I leave you with this.

Your pants size will never tell you how beautiful you are.
The scale won't ever share a good quote with you.
a size O won't ever be able to hold all your passion, integrity, and drive.

Love who you are behind the physical. Begin loving your UNCONDITIONALLY. Start now - the journey is endless but quite rewarding.