I got a few emails over the past month from readers who say they love the “idea” of better body image, but it’s just too hard when they feel like crap.  One reader was like how can I love my body if my jeans won’t fit?  And I know I haven’t been healthy lately?  And I want to say I totally appreciate these emails and want to address this!

As you know my journey hasn’t been a complete cake walk.  In fact it is has been a series of different things that have all lead me to today.  But that doesn’t mean I am perfect.  In fact I am the opposite!  And while I embrace a lot of wonderful principles and practices I am still a student teaching what I know and learning as I go!

The best advice I can give you is to be real for that moment.  If you wake up today and your jeans are tight (or don’t zip) the most important thing to do is to not panic.  It is easy to set off a downward spiral where you think negative thoughts and begin to beat yourself up.  And negative thoughts lead to negative actions (i.e. throwing in the towel and having a “bad” eating day).  Instead of getting upset you will learn and grow and be “real” by addressing the issue.

Ask yourself what is the issue?  Have I truly been unhealthy and if so what can I do to change that?  Did I shrink these jeans in the dryer?  Are they actually too small and have been for a long time?  If so why?  Why do you still have them?  Why do you need to fit into them?  Try to ask as many questions coming from a positive area to create positive change.  The answer could be you need to refocus on your lifestyle habits.  Or it can be that they don’t fit well anymore and haven’t for awhile.  Our bodies do change and what fit last year may not be as flattering now.  I personally got hips a bit later in life and found my clothes did fit differently.  Which was okay for me because I started working more on why clothing sizes are not important.  I was able to give up my attachment to being a certain size in order to have clothes that fit in a more flattering manner.

Whatever the issue try to get to the bottom of it before going to a negative place.  As I write this I am personally going to work on addressing my nutrition, as I feel the need to gain some lean muscle and start using supplements to fuel my body better.

You can do it!

Finally Free,

Bridget Loves