There’s this thing we’ve been told that has stuck with us, been a background fear, or even been brought up in several conversations.
“Girls will gain weight on the race.”
So let’s go back to the start.
Society has told us a lot about our bodies, all of which are unwanted, at least by me anyways. I don’t want to be told that my body should look a certain way or that I should dress a certain way. I don’t even want to be complimented for coming close to that unattainable, ungodly version you’re projecting onto me.We as women, as an individual woman, have dug ourselves a hole in which we are sinking in. In which we have justified and lived in. Whether it was comments made by peers or on tv or by your family, they’ve all been apart of that sinking hole.
So now we’re on the race and we’re not really that individual woman anymore, because that’s what community does to you. Instead you’re women. Which is awesome for so many reasons. It also means you’ve combined all the woman holes and you’re now one giant sinking pit. I’m only in month two of the race, but if I had a dime for every time someone said, “this isn’t how I eat at home” or “I’m going to be good this month” I would be able to fully fund three other racers. That’s just not okay. Saying “being good” is not only placing a blanket black and white statement onto yourself, but also onto the women listening. It’s saying you’re either being good or bad, and according to your standards, this year might look “bad”. Why is it that we obsess over food or working out or body image or what we wear? When is good enough ever good enough? Because based off the comments I’ve heard lately, good enough is never attainable. Fortunately, we can be more than enough if we embrace the truths of our Father and release ourselves of the lies of society. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done.
Before I continue, let me tell you I have not nearly mastered the art of body positivity. I have an obsessive mind. I’ve been obsessed, eating disordered, over worked, and freaked up more times than I can count. So yeah, maybe I am more “sensitive” to this topic, but really I think I’m just more aware. I believe we all need to be more aware. Words have the power to speak truth. They also have the power to speak death. They have the power to make that hole, that pit, so much bigger. We need to stop commenting and complaining about food. We need to stop commenting and complaining about weight. The moment we stop obsessing about working out, stop obsessing about the fear of gaining weight and start talking embracing the bodies we currently have, the sooner we will firmly believe the truths of our Father.
You are beautiful no matter what size you are.
Tell your sisters that every day. Let’s fill in the pit
All my love,
Regina
