Positive Body Image?

[soleuvanathlete]

Originally Posted by Generalissima

...Just remember that everytime you look at your body it has an endless capacity for change and adaptation. See it as a project or a painting...there is nothing wrong with it..it just isn't finished yet. We would never call an unfinished painting ugly..we would just be excited to see it's completion.

I love this way of thinking, General!! FANTASTIC way of thinking about our bodies. Thanks for putting that out there for inspiration.

[SearMeCarefully]

Originally Posted by Generalissima

I have insecurities also..we all do. It's totally natural. What ends up overcoming alot of them(in terms of disliking the way I look) is being thrilled with what my body is capable of.
The first time I did a pullup, a one handed push up, a really long ruck march on my short ass legs, squatting more than my bodyweight...all of these things elate me. I kinda want to buy my body a steak for being as strong as it is and surprising me with it's endless capabilities.
My thighs might have more body body than I prefer but the muscles underneath have carried me some amazing places. I still cringe occasionally when I stare in the mirror too long..but anyone actively seeking out faults will too.
Just remember that everytime you look at your body it has an endless capacity for change and adaptation. See it as a project or a painting...there is nothing wrong with it..it just isn't finished yet. We would never call an unfinished painting ugly..we would just be excited to see it's completion.

I totally love this analogy!

[ginarochelle]

Originally Posted by soleuvanathlete

What a bummer, Gina! I feel for you and absolutely can empathize with how you sabatoged yourself with insecurity and comparing yourself to others. However, if you were able to get to the point where you were even in the realm of possibilities as an NFL cheerleader - than you, my friend, were [and ARE] HAWT!!

See? It's so easy for me to encourage and support others, but I would've probably not even have made it to the auditions in the first place!!! This is the perfect case in point!

I appreciate you sharing your story and am sorry that you bailed. Are you going to try out again, or have you, or what are your plans regarding competitions of any kind? Will you keep trying?

Thanks! Ya, I decided to do other small things to help me build up to trying out again when I'm more confident! Just did Hawaiian Tropics yesterday, I didn't place but I was able to speak in front of 1,000 people and walk on a stage in my bikini with bright lights shining on me so I would say that is progress!!!!

You can do anything or be anything you want! If at first you don't succeed try, try again!!!

[dungeonmistress]

omg i do this all the time. lately though i've been trying to undo this thinking. i know i have bdd. i do not see myself as everyone else does. whenever the bad thoughts come into my mind i override it with "yeah but you're strong and healthy and any woman your age would love to be as fit," or other positive self-talk. i've been lifting a long time; i've been dieting badly for even longer. the two don't mix particularly if a size increase is desired. i want that. i've divorced myself from weightloss boards and the like. that is why i'm here. you all whether you know it or not give me what i need to eat more, deal with slight weight gains but big strength gains and not want to go back to extreme dieting. i am NOT like them. i do NOT need to lose weight. it was my ubercompetitiveness that drives me to try to do everything better than anyone else. anyway, my body must dig what i'm doing to it now because, seriously, i don't even recognize my arms any more. they are the arms that i picture in my mind's eye when i train. i'm getting there. it's awesome.