Topic Tuesday: Body Acceptance

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“Body Acceptance Basics” (By: Kayla Douthitt)

Dear Body,

I’m sorry for all the times I’ve took advantage of you. I know you’ve starved long enough. You’ve been pressured into exercise, squeezed into clothes that were uncomfortable, and felt underappreciated. You never wanted to hurt me, but I hurt you. What I did to you mentally, physically, and emotionally cannot be taken back. But I’ve learned a lot about you in the last little while. You’ve always been there to take care of me, even when I didn’t feel like taking care of myself. This is why I know you are ready to heal, and that’s what we are working on together. It’s time to get better.

Remember…

That hair of yours is gorgeous. Do you know how many people want that hair?

Those eyes. They don’t need all that eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow. Just let them shine on their own.

Those teeth are strong. Let them help you chew, and don’t forget to flash those pearly whites in pictures.

Those arms are so stout. Use them to keep waving even when people don’t wave back.

That stomach holds all the food that you NEED to eat.

Those legs are sturdy. They help you move from place to place and don’t seem to complain unless they’re overworked.

Those cute feet, keep them protected. Buy comfortable shoes that feel good, and paint those little toes whatever color you like.

As I write this letter, I think about body acceptance and body positivity.

Both equally important for our well-being, and I’d like to get back to the basics of how to accomplish it fully.

This is why I want you to know the truth.

It’s hard practicing body positivity and body acceptance all the time, I totally get it. You’re not alone when some days are harder than others. Even for the most confident people, if they were really honest, they’d tell you it can sometimes be difficult.

For myself, days where I tend to struggle, are the times I learn the most. And learning is what it’s all about. As we learn, we grow in some many ways.

Here are 5 tips that can assist you on your journey towards positivity:

  • If you start getting negative about the way you look, don’t look at it as a setback or think you messed up again. Instead, ask yourself, “What can I do that brings my body the most joy?”
  • When you get in a funk, learn to take a pause, take a breather. Write it out. (Hence writing a letter like the above).
  • Looking at why you want to become more body positive is crucial. The why will help you stay on track for the long haul.
  • Realizing your body deserves and NEEDS respect by you and by other people builds and raises your self-confidence. Diana Ross has it right. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me….
  • Take baby steps, you’ll get there. Slow and steady wins the race!

Start today, as you are. Be real, but know it’s possible to become happy with your body. It takes time, but you got this!

Go back to the heart of the problem to truly understand the roots of how to receive body positivity. No affirmation, no mantra, or motivational tape alone will fix it.

You gotta put in the work. But I can promise you, there is nothing like embracing yourself.

Much love,

Kayla

About the Author

Kayla Douthitt is an intuitive eating health coach specializing in helping people overcome eating disorders, negative body image, and self-esteem issues. She stresses holistic health practices such as: stress management, meditation, journaling, and daily check-ins to heal from the inside out. Kayla overcame a 10 year battle with low self-esteem, anorexia, and binge eating herself. Thus, she is able to relate to others on a personal level. She understands how it feels to hide food, constantly stay on the scale, over-exercise, and compulsively count calories. She also knows the healing and recovery is fully possible. Her goal with Wisdom ‘N Wellness is to be able to inspire others on their road to finding food freedom and living their best life! Check her out on Facebook and her website!