NOBODY'S PERFECT

 Hello lovely people! I've been thinking a lot about what my subject for this new blog post should be about and it's had me kinda' perplexed... should I focus on exercise? Nutrition? Should I do my first exercise dvd review? Usually I'll be talking to a friend, a subject will come up in conversation and I'll suddenly have an "Aha!" moment - I know that's what I should write about. But nothing like that happened this week. While exercise and nutrition posts are well and good (and don't worry, I'll definitely continue doing them), one thing that I always want this blog to be is a source of encouragement and motivation! I told you in my very first post that my mission is for us all to "Succeed in fitness together!" Total fitness is mind, body and spirit, and to really succeed you've got to work on yourself from the inside out. Who cares if you have a great body if you're a jerk? And are you really going to be happy at a size 4 if you're self esteem is low? I don't think so! Some of the most beautiful fit people in the world are the unhappiest so obviously looks aren't all it's about. Which brings me to the subject of this blog post, something that I had to tell myself some time ago as I began this weight loss journey and something that all people, whether struggling with their weight or not, need to hear: STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP! NOBODY'S PERFECT.

What's "Perfect"?

airbrushed before and after

Let's start with the word "perfect", what does perfect really mean anyway? Your idea and my idea of perfection can be drastically different. Perfection, just like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. For instance, while most of the world loves the look of ripped 6 pack abs, I'm not the biggest fan of them on women, and if taken too far, on men as well. While I admire the dedication it takes to get 'em, they've never been something that I longed to have, a nice flat stomach will do me fine, no 6 pack needed. However, a lot of people think having a 6 pack is the look of total perfection on a stomach. You see what I mean? So question: who's right and who's wrong? The answer would be: NO ONE! It's all a matter of personal preference. Never look to other people or the world as a guide to "perfection". TV, magazines, posters, music videos are all horrible examples to look at when searching for a good body image to aspire towards, for one reason if no other: IT'S ALL FAKE! Those actors/actresses and models don't really look like that! There are some people who are naturally "beautiful" and "perfect" but you can bet that most are being made over with tons of makeup (on face and BODY - some of those "rips" you see on their stomachs are dark body makeup), airbrushed, fake chest, fake butt, fake lips... the list goes on and on! While I don't knock their hustle because it's all entertainment, please don't look at those images as a goal to reach. If you really want some images of realistic, achievable bodies, try a fitness magazine like Fitness: Mind, Body & Spirit or Women's Health (2 of my personal favs), not music videos or Sports Illustrated. They're all catering to the world's opinion of what's "perfect" and you'll kill you're self mentally when you start to realize that might not be achievable for you. Which brings me to my second point...

People come in all shapes and sizes, learn to appreciate yours!

Be The Best You For YOU!
Everyone's body is different. Some women are naturally curvy and can easily achieve that Beyonce body with proper diet and exercise, but some women have a more boyish figure and will never have that hourglass shape. You've got to accept you for you and just be the best you that you can be.  Stop comparing yourself to other people! I did this for years and all it did was hold me back from my full potential. I never thought I was good enough simply because I didn't look like the other girl who was thin, or once I did lose weight, the other girl who was thinner than me. You can't change genetics and at the end of the day, I don't care how much you work out or what you do, some things will never change. Now don't get me wrong, if it's reasonably achievable and you want to go for it, give it your best shot! With a great diet and an awesome workout routine big things are possible! I'm living proof! But understand that your body is only going to be the best that it can individually be. Be proud of what you got and even what you don't got! LOL! Being comfortable in the skin you're in is the most attractive trait that a person can have, I don't care if you're a size 0 or a size 20, there's something about inner confidence that makes everyone sit up and take notice.


So in conclusion, I just want to urge everyone reading this to give up seeking "perfection" and just concentrate on accepting and loving themselves for who and what they are. Sounds corny and easy enough to do, but for some of us it can be the hardest thing. If you're trying to lose weight, working hard at it through diet and exercise, YOU WILL ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL! Whether it's tomorrow or a year from now, if you keep at and never give up, it's gonna' happen, that's a given! In the meanwhile, learn to love yourself no matter what the size, realizing that YOU'RE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!