Posted by ednababish on May 20, 2004, at 8:31:11
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone, posted by anxious babe on May 18, 2004, at 12:01:23
Anxious Babe,
I can sympathize with your dismay over figure flaws--all of which look worse in the PMS mirror. Incidentally, all department store dressing rooms are equipt with this mirror. I hate my breasts, my upper arms, my flat butt, and my especially my belly, which was no prize before my daughter was born and is even less of a prize now that she's a year old. But I also know that I wear a size six--through sheer perseverance, eating right, having a weakness for healthy snacks like popcorn and fruit, and from working out with weights three to four times a week, and getting at least 30 minutes of cardio from walking my dogs everyday. I also know that I am five foot six, 130 lbs. which is way over the model ideal. But real women come in all sizes and shapes--go to the pool at the YMCA and see if I'm not right. Look at the other moms, look at the prepubescent girls and look at the grandmas--I've noticed that women are only shaped like swimsuit models during their child-bearing years. I remarked to my husband that we women look sexy only so we can re-populate the race; and then we're the ones who also think beyond just the sex. I also work out at the Y, and sometimes I am the youngest one in the room (at age 39). I see older women who are working out not to look good but to feel good.
Think about what your body can do--it can bring forth new life, it can carry you from point A to point B, it can give you sexual pleasure (God and lexapro willing). The longer you take lex, the better you will feel about yourself, I promise. I used to be so self-conscious about my appearance that I wore long sleeves year-round; I wouldn't put on a swimsuit; I didn't even own a pair of jeans. Now I wear a bikini, not necessarily proudly but I see others who look like I do in one, so I'm okay. My husband and my ten year old nieces have some cellulite; I'm okay. Natural is better--and you can cover a multitude of sins by keeping your head up, smiling, using a little self tanner, and acting as if you have every right to wear that swimsuit.
If it seems like I'm preaching, I'm sorry. I'm trying to convince you and everyone else who feels inadequate--myself included. The media sets a ridiculous standard for us to live up to--and I say look at real women for your inspiration. And join your local YMCA--it's a great support system, a great gym free of model types, and a great family organization.
Love to all,
Edna
poster:ednababish
thread:323847
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040517/msgs/348821.html