Photo by Carrie Hilgert. Originally posted on her blog. Used with permission.
I talk a lot about weight and how little it matters. Many of my patients have heard me get up on my soapbox about BMI and its lack of merit. But the truth is that letting go of the importance of weight is more difficult than knowing the facts. It requires letting go of that sense of control that we believe we could have over our futures ‘if only if only’ we weighed a certain amount. It requires accepting our bodies the way that they are. For many of us, it may be difficult to imagine our selves or our bodies having value independent from our weights. Without knowing that number, how will we know we measure up?
One key to body acceptance I have found is being able to revel in the amazing vessel that is your body. Every cell, every organ, every piece of your body exists with the sole purpose to care for you and keep you alive. Your whole body loves you THAT much. If these cells think you are so amazingly worth it, why should it be so difficult for our minds to believe it?
I challenge you to pick a part of your body – maybe the part you hate most. Remind yourself that from every single piece of you comes an amazing gift – movement, support, immunity, nourishment. Close your eyes and send your mind traveling down through to that body part. What does this body part do for you? What is its gift? How does it keep you alive? How does it help you function? What does it allow you to do that you wouldn’t be able to do without it? I have chosen to share what makes my stomach amazing – a part that is challenging for most of us (myself included).
I am thankful for my stomach, no matter what it looks like. It has strength to support my spine and flexibility to allow me to bend and twist and reach. It houses my organs, and needs to be insulated in fat to protect them and keep me safe. It enables me to digest and absorb nourishment – our primary form of self care. Someday it may house a baby, a testament to my ability to create and nourish life. The fat across my stomach and hips is required to house this gift, and provides a store of energy that keeps me warm and fueled throughout the day. The nerves in my skin allow me to feel my love’s hands and arms across my stomach when he holds me and keeps me safe. My stomach is a wonderful communicator. It cries out to me when I am hungry, to let me know I need energy. And when I have had enough it allows me to feel satisfied and content. I can even be thankful when my stomach is pained because it lets me know that something is wrong. My stomach is a gift.
