november writing challenge | day 26 | body image

“My body is___”

 Body image, that old chestnut!  I’m happy with my body and I’m not scared to say it.  Yes, I do complain occasionally, but in general I’m pretty happy.  I know that my body is what it is because I work hard, consistently.

I can notice changes in my body after only a couple of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ days (basically how much chocolate I’ve eaten and how much exercise I’ve done haha), but don’t beat myself up about it!  My body literally fluctuates throughout the day, as it’s bound to when you think about it.  A belly full of food ain’t gonna look the same as an empty belly first thing in the morning.  I know that if my abs can disappear quickly, then they can come back quickly too.  Not that I ever have a full on 6 pack, but there are outlines, people!  That’s kinda how I gauge how I’m doing, by how visible my abs are. ;)  Sounds vain and borderline obsessive I know, but it’s better to have a visual measure than a numerical one.  I have no idea what I weigh.  (Or what my mass is, to be technically correct haha).  *Geek*

It seems to be becoming increasingly accepted these days to actually be satisfied with your body, and not feel the need to put yourself down just because it’s the done thing.  Bloggers and promoting positive body image definitely have some credit for that!  I know it might seem like I’m contradicting myself massively by saying I keep a close watch on my midriff and that promoting ‘loving your body’ is good, but I really don’t think the two have to be separate.  It’s really difficult to explain!    If you’re a size/shape whatever – small or large – and rocking it, go you!  Honestly.  It’s the best way to be.  But if you’re wanting to change your body in any way, that doesn’t mean you have a bad outlook.  Doesn’t mean you don’t respect anybody else’s body either, this stuff is personal guys!

I could be absolutely ripped and lean as anything if I wanted to; if I dedicated the time and control necessary, I know I’d have it in me.  But I have no great desire to do so, and I love foody treats too much for that and would never deprive myself. ;)  It ain’t worth sacrificing the mince pies right now.  For me personally, I’m happy waking up at 5:30am, working out for an hour and being a size UK8/10, but I still have small goals to work towards.  Growing my tiny arms, for example!  I swear with this amount of soreness, I deserve to be more shredded than I am. ;)  Clothing sizes are pretty inconsistent and what fits my top half won’t fit my bottom, so sizes aren’t everything either.  Generalising anything to do with body image is impossible.  My thinking is that anything you can change realistically (your lifestyle would allow it), it’s ok to want to change.  Anything that’s part of the deck of cards you’ve been dealt with in life, it’s best just to accept.  Obviously it’s a grey area between what can and can’t be changed though, which is where most dissatisfaction originates, sadly.

What’s your relationship with your body?

lily kate x
follow me on bloglovin | twitter | instagram | youtube | email me