I think most women will be able to relate when I describe my relationship with my body as a rather shaky truce. As a high school student, I put in the required years of teenage angst where I loathed any and all things that were me, but I soon realized that my body was, for all its flaws, pretty darn dependable. The Honda of bodies, if you will. Certainly not the flashiest or most expensive, but it does get me where I need to go with very little required maintenance, so we developed an almost-friendly working relationship.
After having a myomectomy last year, I found myself in unfamiliar territory. My body was useless, and even the simplest tasks sapped my energy and required assistance. It was a terrifying feeling, and fortunately it only lasted a few days. My body amazed me with its ability to heal itself. And for the first time, I truly appreciated the small things my body did on a daily basis. It was like reconnecting with a childhood friend. I marveled at each small step – the walk to the mailbox, leaning over to pick up a shoe, feeding the cats. And like with any fight, I began to wonder whose fault it was. Had my body wronged me? Or was it I who had turned my back on it?
Regardless, I decided this was a relationship I wanted to invest in. I joined a local gym, committed to six months of weekly personal training sessions, and tried out several different classes. The weakness in my body shocked me. My trainer told me to do 10 sit-ups, and I barely mustered a crunch. Still, I persevered, and my body rapidly grew stronger (and hotter). Now, three months after beginning my gym regiment, my label has changed from “girl who can’t be bothered to move” to “girl who gets edgy if she doesn’t run everyday.” I’m stronger and I feel better physically and mentally. And on the days when those changes aren’t enough to keep me motivated, one look at my new bicep muscles or the lines developing in my abs usually do the trick.
In the midst of all this personal growth, I again had to ask myself how I got so down on my body in the first place. The Bible tells us over and over again that we are made in God’s image, and thus our body shape is no accident and has intrinsic worth. In Psalm 139, the psalmist writes, “For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Ladies, why is it that we refuse to accept the psalmist’s words? Why do we allow this kind of war to break out between us and our bodies? Why do we insist on telling God that the body he created for us isn’t good enough?
Today, I urge you to reject the mainstream media and popular culture views of what a woman should look like and make a commitment to treat your body as a partner rather than the enemy. As I’ve stopped bickering with my body, I’ve begun to marvel at what it is rather that what I wish it was. This body gets strep throat once a year like clockwork, developed an early (and impressive) immunity to chicken pox, can handle a 1,200 pound horse, comes with brilliant hair, and is becoming quite flexible. Now when I go to yoga classes, I look forward to challenge of seeing how long I can hold a balance pose rather than dreading them because I am truly lacking in balance. Self-acceptance is a daily challenge, but it’s a refreshing change.
After having a myomectomy last year, I found myself in unfamiliar territory. My body was useless, and even the simplest tasks sapped my energy and required assistance. It was a terrifying feeling, and fortunately it only lasted a few days. My body amazed me with its ability to heal itself. And for the first time, I truly appreciated the small things my body did on a daily basis. It was like reconnecting with a childhood friend. I marveled at each small step – the walk to the mailbox, leaning over to pick up a shoe, feeding the cats. And like with any fight, I began to wonder whose fault it was. Had my body wronged me? Or was it I who had turned my back on it?
Regardless, I decided this was a relationship I wanted to invest in. I joined a local gym, committed to six months of weekly personal training sessions, and tried out several different classes. The weakness in my body shocked me. My trainer told me to do 10 sit-ups, and I barely mustered a crunch. Still, I persevered, and my body rapidly grew stronger (and hotter). Now, three months after beginning my gym regiment, my label has changed from “girl who can’t be bothered to move” to “girl who gets edgy if she doesn’t run everyday.” I’m stronger and I feel better physically and mentally. And on the days when those changes aren’t enough to keep me motivated, one look at my new bicep muscles or the lines developing in my abs usually do the trick.
In the midst of all this personal growth, I again had to ask myself how I got so down on my body in the first place. The Bible tells us over and over again that we are made in God’s image, and thus our body shape is no accident and has intrinsic worth. In Psalm 139, the psalmist writes, “For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Ladies, why is it that we refuse to accept the psalmist’s words? Why do we allow this kind of war to break out between us and our bodies? Why do we insist on telling God that the body he created for us isn’t good enough?
Today, I urge you to reject the mainstream media and popular culture views of what a woman should look like and make a commitment to treat your body as a partner rather than the enemy. As I’ve stopped bickering with my body, I’ve begun to marvel at what it is rather that what I wish it was. This body gets strep throat once a year like clockwork, developed an early (and impressive) immunity to chicken pox, can handle a 1,200 pound horse, comes with brilliant hair, and is becoming quite flexible. Now when I go to yoga classes, I look forward to challenge of seeing how long I can hold a balance pose rather than dreading them because I am truly lacking in balance. Self-acceptance is a daily challenge, but it’s a refreshing change.
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