How I Finally Came to Terms with My Body | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How I Finally Came to Terms with My Body

Instead of fixating on six-pack abs and well-defined calf muscles, I found love in the most subtle dips and edges of my body.

39
How I Finally Came to Terms with My Body
Instagram

My Instagram newsfeed used to consist of endless transformation photos, at-home workouts and endless green smoothie recipes. I constantly exposed myself to these stunning, well-toned women hoping that would somehow motivate me. Boy, was I wrong.

I soon learned seeing these perfectly chiseled bodies did the polar opposite. In fact, it lessened my desire to achieve that “ideal body.” (WHAT THE HECK IS “IDEAL” ANYWAY?) At one point, I was finally working out five days out of the week. I began feeling physically much stronger but all of the sudden, I was bombarded with how much thinner I was getting, (my goal had always been to gain weight). I was doing everything right but yet I still wasn’t good enough… what an awkward position to be in.

The key component was what I exposed myself to. I unfollowed all these great, yet (personally) unrealistic workout accounts and embarked on the journey of body positivity.

One profound message I kept reading was how fantastically wonderful the human body is. Your skin has endured needles, bruises, scars and wounds all to keep us going; you have billions of cells devoted to you. How wonderful is it to have a body that repairs itself even when we least want it to?! To have this physical entity whose sole priority is to make sure you’re well and physically capable?

Above: An image from Dove's Self-Esteem Project. Although I love that this image is diverse in color and height, it's important to note that there are no slender girls on here- thinner girls are not exempt from the battle of self-love.ALL body types are worthy of the same acceptance.

To take things a step further, I also gave up on approval from others considering that it truly is impossible to aesthetically please everyone. I learned to adore the faint fat on my stomach on the days when it’s there and the thigh gap I never asked for. Instead of fixating on six-pack abs and well-defined calf muscles, I found love in the most subtle dips and edges of my body.

Now, I actually enjoy working out, going to yoga and eating well because I recognize how my body has so graciously worked to keep me alive, even when I least wanted it to. Don't get me wrong, even though I adore green smoothies and detoxing, I'll also devour a chocolate cake sans reticence.

I don’t think I have the perfect body; I am, however, eager to strike that balance between treating it in the best way possible and devouring the sweets I still crave. Some days I imagine if I would look better with longer legs or curvier arms and that’s OK, self-love isn’t necessarily a perpetual state of mind.

Despite how badly you may wish to linger in a different shape, you are still stuck in the same skin everyday. Rather than bashing the one entity whose sole purpose is to keep you alive, try loving it instead.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16066
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6891
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5090
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4467
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments