The struggle with body confidence is real.
The struggle with body confidence is real.
We all tell ourselves stories about our bodies. And if we said them aloud towards someone else, we would seem cruel.
I’ve been telling my body that it is worn-out, washed-up, wrecked, ruined and broken.
Two years ago, I broke my leg and last year I was in the hospital 4 times. I saw several doctors and took countless tests (even for cat scratch fever – which I was secretly hoping I had because it sounds so cool). I was so sick some days that getting out of bed and to the couch was a major accomplishment. I was recently diagnosed with Lupus and my medication is working and I feel like myself again – I woke up early today and practiced The Warrior Goddess Workout!
Afterwards, I felt connected to my body for the first time in a year and realized how disconnected I’ve been from her – shaming her for betraying me. But in actuality, I was betraying myself. My body was broken and so was my spirit.
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While dancing I realized that she is still a strong and flexible bellydancing gypsy. And had been all along. Even on the couch.
I’m not telling you to just think positive thoughts, dance and then you will be happy and have body confidence. I hate that crap. I know the struggle of being sick, over-weight and having injuries. Sometimes the reality of your body exists right in the middle of a dark forest. So you have to find your way out. And the only way out is through. And it uncomfortable. But there is treasure that lies in the dark forest.
And just like Persephone that went into the underworld and reemerged to discover Spring, I found the treasure in my darkness was the strength within to find my way out.
I realized on a profound level: my body is my past, present, and future.
Your body is the only body you will ever have. Along the way it has changed, and will continue to change - but it is still YOURS. It doesn't matter if your body is a size 0 or a size 22, or if it has an illness or an injury, or if you feel uncoordinated, financially-strapped or over-the-hill.
You are a goddess and your body is a temple. Your body is a temple because of what’s inside of it – your Goddess within.
So be kind to your body. Catch your negative thoughts, the stories you say in your head and to others about your body and reframe them. Start telling her different stories today. Thank her for all the battles she has endured. Love on your body while you are in the shower or putting on your clothes or walking down the street. And while you dance.
Be the woman that “Made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. Walk with the Universe on your shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings.” 👼💃👑💪💗
#makebrokenlookbeautiful #bellydancinggypsy #bodyconfidence #bodylove
Posted on Wed, January 25, 2017
by Ms. Dolphina
filed under