How do you feel about your body?
Be honest.
Do you hate on it for your belly's softness?
Beat on it for not looking like you did when you were 21?
Or maybe you ignore it, hoping it leaves you alone?
If any of these resonate, you're not alone.
90% of American women dislike some aspect of their bodies.
And according to a 2016 study commissioned by Dove that researched more than 10,000 females in 13 countries, 85% of all women and 79% of all girls opt out of life activities – like dating, trying out for a team, going to a job interview, or spending time with friends and family – because they don't feel good about how they look.
This madness needs to end.
#WeDeserveBetter
We've been told a lie that our bodies are about looks. What BS!
Your body is an instrument to live your best, most vibrant life!
Your body allows you to:
*Dance
*Kiss
*Learn
*Write
*Sing
*Hold babies
*Run after grandchildren
*Speak to the board of directors
*Launch that bakery you've always wanted to
And so much more. Your body is a TREASURE for all it does for you!
We live this one glorious life full of nature walks, river rafting, acrylic painting, sweater knitting, pole dancing, orgasms, hugging your grandmother, running with your puppy, riding horses, presenting your business plan, being known as an expert in your field, riding a pink Cadillac with the top down and wind in your hair…
All of which requires a healthy, vibrant body.
So we need to change how we view our bodies from something that is “pretty” or not – to something that facilitates LIVING.
We need to change how we treat our bodies from dumptruck of pain to temple of desire and beauty.
Your body is always telling you what you want and need – and don't want – if you listen and treat it well. When you get a lump in your throat, butterflies in your belly, hardness in your chest, openness in your heart, tingles on your skin, chills up your spine – your body always gives you information.
But to hear your body, you have to love it with kindness and trust.
*Did you know that moving your body creates the protein BDNF which is like “miracle grow” for your brain? So when you move you literally create the opportunity for your brain to learn new habits, try new activities, and work for you?
*Did you know that 80% of serotonin (the mood hormone) is produced in your gut, so what you eat directly impacts depression?
You can make your body work FOR you and my recent podcast shows you how. (Click here to listen.) I interview Emiliya Zhivotovskaya, CEO and Founder of The Flourishing Center, the benefit-corp that created the brilliant Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology program. She's an expert in Mind-Body Medicine and she teaches us all about VITALITY. Listen to the episode here.
And if you don't have time to listen, here are 3 quick tips:
1. Look into your eyes in the mirror and say “I love you” gently and softly over and over again.
2. Choose a body part (like your belly) and think of all the things it does for you, and have gratitude for it.
3. Think about something you want to DO and how your body can help you with it. Thank your body for it.
The more you love your body, the more you'll hear what it's telling you, and the happier you'll be.
Here's to you living a life of Vitality and Joy!
XO,
Carin
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