Embrace Your Body: The Reality of Cellulite, Stretch Marks, and Fluctuations
This has been a hard one for me lately…& something I’ve had to remind myself of a lot!
I took this video this morning (click here to see the video on an Instagram post) and thought, "I don’t want to post that," because I noticed some cellulite around my bum in this video. But how can I NOT post it when our whole mission is to help women feel fierce, strong, and confident?
Cellulite is something I’ve always been self-conscious of. This year, I’ve watched my body change, lose muscle, add 5-10 lbs, and become uncomfortable in some of my clothes due to medication I’ve been taking. There has been a lot my body has been going through behind the scenes.
But it’s SO important to know that bodies change, things fluctuate, and the majority of people have cellulite or stretch marks. Although we might not always like it, we don’t have to hate it or hide it out of fear of judgment about what others think.
**1. Accepting Body Changes
Our bodies are constantly evolving. Whether it's due to medication, lifestyle changes, or just the natural aging process, fluctuations are normal. This year, I've experienced firsthand the challenges that come with watching your body change. It’s easy to feel uncomfortable or insecure, but understanding that these changes are a part of life is the first step toward self-acceptance.
**2. Normalizing Cellulite and Stretch Marks
Cellulite and stretch marks are incredibly common. They do not define your worth or your health. Most people have them, yet they remain one of the most stigmatized aspects of body image. By acknowledging that these are normal, we can start to dismantle the unrealistic beauty standards that society imposes on us.
**3. Focusing on Health and Strength
Your body doesn’t have to look a certain way for you to feel fierce. Working on yourself to be strong, healthy physically, and mentally will help you get there. It’s about building a positive relationship with your body, appreciating what it can do, and treating it with the respect it deserves.
**4. The Impact of Medication
Medications can have significant effects on our bodies, leading to weight gain, loss of muscle, and other physical changes. These effects can be difficult to deal with, but it's crucial to remember that your health and well-being come first. Medications are often necessary for maintaining or improving your health, and the physical side effects are secondary to the benefits they provide, as we well know as endo warriors living life with endometriosis.
**5. Mental Resilience
Maintaining a positive mindset amidst these changes is challenging but essential. Reminding yourself that these fluctuations do not diminish your worth is key to building mental resilience. It’s okay to have days when you don’t feel great about your body, but remember, those feelings are temporary and do not define you.
**6. Building a Supportive Community
Sharing these experiences and vulnerabilities can help others who might be feeling the same way. It’s important to create a community where everyone feels supported and understood. By being open about our insecurities, we can help others feel less alone and more empowered to embrace their own bodies.
**7. Practical Steps to Embrace Change
Start by tracking your progress, not just in terms of physical changes, but also how you feel mentally and emotionally. Celebrate small victories, whether it’s lifting a heavier weight, running a bit longer, or simply feeling more confident. Set realistic goals that focus on overall well-being rather than just physical appearance.
**8. Exclusive Introductory Offer
If you’ve been thinking of working on your relationship with your body and showing yourself just how strong and capable you are but have been afraid to take the step, our Summer ‘Exclusive Introductory Offer’ is your chance to do it! Come and train with us with our online personal training for one month for just $157 and start finding your fierce. Tap this link to complete a sign-up form, and we’ll be in touch with the next steps.
Remember, your journey is unique, and your body is incredible just the way it is. Embrace the changes, focus on what makes you feel strong and healthy, and find your fierce!