19 year old anorexic Misty
21 year old Tubby Misty
28 year old, sober, hormone free Misty
As I've gotten older, I've accepted some things about my body: my legs will always be muscular, never skinny and bird-like; I will always put weight on below the waist first; my thighs will most likely always meet in the middle. It's the way I'm made, and I'm okay with it. I'm thankful that I HAVE legs and arms, and a functioning, healthy body. And yes, I know that I am thin, and fortunate to have been blessed with what seems to be one incredible metabolism!
So here's my beef: A little over a year ago I went off of birth control, because I thought it was making me crazy. That, combined with having stopped drinking 2 years ago resulted in my shedding about 17 pounds. The last few months, though, I've been having horrible mood swings, so I decided to go back on birth control. Immediately I gained 7 pounds in 3 weeks. 3 WEEKS!!!!! I know "I can afford it" and all that crap, but come on-would YOU willingly sign up for 7 extra pounds that you KNEW was a direct result of a medication?
So which is better-normal, non-hormone induced body weight with multiple personality-like mood swings, or 7 extra pounds of PURE lard and a positive attitude?!
I even purchased an exercise DVD last week, The Firm 30 Minute Firm and Burn, and have done it the whole week. I've been cutting calories, and keeping track of what I'm eating-the whole 9 yards. The early results? As usual, I build huge muscles in my legs, but don't burn the fat off them, so the muscle merely pushes the fat forward, making my legs look "bulky".
Oh it's a no win situation. No matter what size a woman is, I don't believe she can ever be content. It's so silly, all this fuss about appearance. It could all be altered in an instant by some sort of accident or trauma. Our bodies are not who we are, they're just the flesh-suit we live inside of.
So, if you're a woman, and you've learned the secret to body contentment, let me know how you did it!
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7 comments:
Oh goodness...I've come to terms that no matter WHAT....I will NEVER have that pre-baby, perky boobs, cheerleader stature, rock hard body again. That's just life and I'm happy with what God has given me. Seriously, I don't think much about it...but in all honesty...I don't have much time to think about myself these days:) It all changes once you have another life to worry about. Also, a toddler will keep pounds off like a case of Slim-Fast! I consider Kamryn my full time work-out regime!
But Misty, you look GREAT! I envy that gorgeous body and appearance that you have. I know you see yourself differently but you are beautiful! Just take it from the ones that love you the most. I know that Brett loves every ounce of your being!!!! Be proud of who you are!
I have a lot of feelings about this but i can't understand the pressure that females are under in this image driven culture so I will keep them to myself. I do believe you have a husband that loves you for you and that is something that you can be thankful for and perhaps use to keep you from obsessing. There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself but don't let your body be the measure that defines you.
the only think i have figured out is that i love photoshop :) that always makes me feel better. your hot stuff lady!
meant to say "thing" but im sure you know that ;)
I too put most of my "Post high school" weight on when I went on birth control and it is so very hard to loose the weight while taking it.
I have always been self conscious, it was something that came easy with going to Saks, but I've been lucky to have family that drilled and I mean drilled into my head that I'm great no matter what. But the day I realized that I have to love me no matter what size was when I was walking out of the grocery store and had some random man yell out of his window "Holy s*** do you really need to go grocery shopping? I think you'll be able to survive for years without eating." I know, something like that made me realize that I have to love myself, but it's true.
Body image is something that society has placed upon us and at this point I'm healthier now that I have been in a long while and that's all that matters. :)
I know where you're coming from. I'm struggled with the same issues for most of my life. I had a hard time getting pregnant because of it, and needed the help of a fertility specialist. That really helped put things into perspective. My biggest fear now is passing it on to my daughter. I have to shake it for her sake!
I started with your no iphone delema - i like your read. i feel same about body and agree, we should accept. still reading
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