Society and the media are constantly sending us messages that we’re not thin enough, our lips aren’t plump enough, our breasts aren’t big or perky enough, tummy isn’t flat enough and on and on and on. We have fallen victim to the “not enough” hamster wheel that is never ending. Some of us risk our lives and health to fit the beauty standards of today. When we feel like we’re not enough, it steals our joy and keeps us from living our best lives. Why do we wait until we lose weight to do all things? Do not put off today, saying you’ll do it tomorrow, as tomorrow is not promised. Here are the top 3 things that women put off until they lose weight.
1-Swimming
You’re scared to have people see you in your bathing suit. As if somehow your stretch marks or extra weight will offend others at the beach. I assure you, people are much too worried about their own perceived imperfections to be worried about yours. And if they are worried about yours, who cares? It’s none of your business what others think of you. At least you know that you made the effort to live your best life, and your precious children will have fond memories of swimming with mom at the beach.
2-A New Wardrobe
As soon as I lose 20 pounds I’ll buy those jeans I’ve been wanting, you think to yourself. But…what most people don’t realize, is that adding new pieces to your wardrobe makes you feel so much better about yourself than wearing the same old frumpy cloths. If you can start feeling better about yourself NOW, why not do it? It’s all in the mindset. I speak from experience. Self love is a journey that starts now, just as you are.
3-Family Photos
It’s down right horrifying for us to think of being in front of the camera when our bodies are less than our desired state. Unfortunately, your kids aren’t going to be little forever waiting for you to lose weight to have those family memories documented. Some of my most cherished photos are of me and mom when I was a baby. What if she had thought to wait until she lost the weight? I wouldn’t have those photos. Sad. You will be so glad you had your family portraits made years down the road when the kids are grown and gone. You won’t even mind your muffin top. Promise.
I often hear women talk about how they want to lose weight before they book their boudoir session. I repeat, if you can’t love yourself as you are right now, you won’t when you hit that sometimes elusive goal. There will always be the next goal and the next goal and the next. Your self love always being on the other side. I photograph many women who would love to be thinner when they book their boudoir session. In the end, they realize that even at their heaviest, they are still beautiful. The photoshoot catapults their confidence, and helps them radiate beauty from the inside out. Some women even decide to book a 2nd shoot for when they hit their goal. How’s that for empowerment?
Saying that you will love yourself and live your best life only when you lose weight is like saying you only love your children when they behave. Sounds silly, doesn’t it?
