Body Image

  Happy Monday!  We had a fabulous time at the beach.  It is definitely my happy place.  I will blog more about the details in the upcoming week, but I want to talk about something that is on my heart today.  Body Image and how we perceive ourselves.  There has been a lot of talk on the Internet about positive body image.  We are definitely our worst critics.  I will give you an example:

Here you have two pics of me from the beach on Friday, a front view and a back view.  I could name lots of things that are wrong with me in these pics.  I need better posture, bigger boobs, my upper arms need more definition(they used to be very sculpted) as well as my back, my butt is too big, my hips are too big, and are those dimples on my butt???  See what I am talking about.  What I should be seeing in this picture is the super big smile on my face because I am at the beach in beautiful water on vacation.  Why are we so critical of ourselves?  Why can we not focus on the positive?  I can guarantee  that no one really gave a thought about what I looked like (except for hubby who thinks I am beautiful and sexy and loves me in a bikini). So why should I be so critical of myself.  What I need to see in this photo is a mid 40 mom of two kids who still has a pretty amazing body that is at the right weight and shape, for me.  I do not obsess about what I look like, I just try and focus on what I would like to change.  A good friend said to me yesterday when we were discussing this topic, if you do not like what you look like quit eating the donuts!  In other words, if you are not going to do anything to fix the situation, quit griping about it and change it.  So, people, men and women both, love yourself.  You are not just your outside appearance.  And please, if you do not like what you see, change it for yourself and not for others.  You will never be successful unless it is something you want to change.  

  So, we left Jake, my oldest son, home alone while we were away on vacation.  He will be a senior this year and then off to college, so why not?  He is very responsible and I was only a little nervous while we were away.  Well, he did a great job!  No parties, that I know of, and the house was clean when we got home.  I love having responsible kids.  Makes me think we did something right.

  We are dog sitting for this week and it is making me realize I miss having a dog.  I do not think I am ready for another fur friend yet, but maybe soon.

Have a fabulous Monday and remember to love yourself!

Hugs!