For many years, my body has been the main subject of my New Year’s resolutions. For me, this only ever led to disappointment and a sense of failure due to the impossible goals I held in my head and the ridiculous time frames I gave myself to achieve them.
Recently, I had a little personal revolution and decided I was worth more than being reduced to tears while looking in the mirror poking at bits of me that refused to shrink.
My one resolution this year is to continuously try and accept myself just the way I am. Living in a society that makes money from women’s lack of self-worth and insecurities doesn’t make it easy, but it’s a challenge I have accepted!
I decided to write apology letters to my body and here’s what I wrote:
Dear tummy, I am sorry for each time I ignored your empty grumbles and left you hungry. Sorry for prodding and poking you wishing you would shrink and for sucking you in with all the effort I could muster. I love you.
Dear bum, I am sorry for all those times I have hidden you away because I said you were “too big.” I love you.
Dear arms, I am sorry for every time I said I hated you and wished you were different. You give the best hugs. I love you.
Dear feet, I am sorry for ever complaining about how small you are. Sorry for declaring you must be the reason my balance is so appallingly bad. You are small but perfectly formed and you get me cheap shoes in the sale. I love you.
Dear skin, I am sorry for every time I cursed you because of a spot and for hurting you with a number of lotions and potions to try and get rid of said spot. I’m sorry for wishing you wouldn’t make my cheeks turn so red so easily. I love you.
Dear body, I am truly sorry for each and every time I have wished certain parts of you were different. Thank you for housing me regardless of my moaning. You are doing a good job and I don’t give you enough credit. You are perfect just the way you are.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.
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Thinkstock photo via Cofeee.