Do you struggle to accept your body as God created it? Do you avoid mirrors because you know what you see reflected will make you feel bad? You aren’t alone.
Research tells us that as many as 91% of American women are unhappy with the way their bodies look.
While the body positivity trend has increased, many of us have struggled to join the bandwagon. For most of my life, I couldn’t accept my body as it is, let alone feel good about it. If you can relate, read on for a helpful exercise to learn the art of body acceptance.
Imagine a World Where Bodies are Accepted
Let’s use our imaginations for a moment. Let’s imagine that, by some strange explosion, a toxic chemical is released into the world, and because of it, no person will lose or gain one more ounce of weight for the rest of his or her life.
We will weigh precisely the same amount we do now – forever.
The food we eat will not affect our weight or how our bodies look, and exercise will not change our bodies either.*
Think about this scenario for a few minutes. Then, consider the following questions:
- What would you eat? Would the foods you choose be different or the same? Food would still affect how you feel, but it would not change your body weight. Would you eat more healthily, focusing on what makes you feel good, or would you eat extra junk food?
- What would you wear? Would you buy some new clothes, finally knowing you could invest in high-quality clothing in the same size, or would your wardrobe stay the same?
- How would your physical activity change? Would you exercise more, knowing it makes you feel good and gives you energy, or would you give it up forever, knowing it wouldn’t change how you look?
We all have many deep-rooted thoughts and beliefs about food, exercise, and our bodies. We live in a culture that celebrates overeating and junk food yet idolizes thinness to the point of borderline starvation.
We go to a restaurant where we are served portions of food that are 3-4 times the normal size of what a person needs, and the food is modified to taste richer and more delicious than food used to taste.
Driving to and from the restaurant, we see billboards advertising barely-clothed women who are much thinner than realistic or healthy. We might see similar pictures on the restaurant’s walls or right on the front of the menu. This makes no sense!
To live in our current society and have a healthy body image is very difficult. It requires an ongoing, conscious, dedicated effort. This is a challenge but can be done with God’s help.
Here are some steps to get started.
3 Steps to Build Body Acceptance
Take these steps to gradually accept your body as God’s gift to you, a temple of the Holy Spirit.
1. Recognize Negative Body Thoughts.
Don’t fight or feel guilty about these thoughts; see them for what they are. Try to notice and be aware of these thoughts during the following week.
You might be saying things to yourself like, “I have fat arms.” or “If only these jeans made me look thinner.” or “Once I lose five more pounds…”
2. Thank God for What Your Body CAN Do
Spend time daily giving thanks for what your body can do for you. Notice the ways your body serves you. Can you pick up your kids or snuggle with your pet? Maybe your arms give amazing hugs to friends.
Praise God for what He has given you.
3. Consider Negative Body Thoughts in a New Way
Sometimes, negative body thoughts are not about your body at all. After all, you have mostly the same body today as you did yesterday. Why is the negativity rising today specifically?
I find that negative body thoughts come up when I feel like I am too much or too big. Are you dreaming big dreams or stepping out of your comfort zone in a new way? These are times when poor body image might rise to the surface.
Sometimes, it’s easier to focus on your large thighs, wobbly arms, or back fat than to own up to your bigger fears. When bad body thoughts rage, see if you can gently explore what is underneath them.
*For further reading on this topic, I recommend the book, When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies by Jane Hirschmann and Carol Munter. This example is adapted from their ideas.
Do you struggle to accept your body as it is? Share about it in the comments below.
More Posts About Accepting Your Body as a Gift
Leave a Reply