You are so much more than a body

This morning I posted an instagram story: "Really struggling with body image recently & thats okay. Reminding myself and you that restricting is never the answer. Shrinking yourself will not make you happy. Focus on what truly makes you happy and go do it!"

I debated whether I should write more on body image since my last post was all about my current struggles with body image and food guilt. However, I decided to do it anyway. Interestingly enough, I feel the most inspired when I am having a hard time. Using vulnerability as a gift through my writing is an outlet for me to express myself and remind myself of my true purpose. When discover you are truly passionate about, you values will begin to shift. Your constant focus and worry about your body will decrease because you are aligned with the things that truly matter to you. You are so much more than your body!!!

(picture of me and my sister from the summer -- a moment of pure happiness. thats all.)

I also received so many dms responding to my instagram post:

"ME TOO!! You are not alone. You are so strong and beautiful and perfect"

"I need this because I am too"

"You are so much more than a body!! these days are hard but just remind yourself that your purpose on this earth is not to just have a body"

"We are meant to take up space"

"SAME! We are strong badass women though and lucky to be able to move our bodies!!!"

Although my intention behind posting and writing is not to receive validation, these messages illustrate how many people really do struggle with body image.

Recently I have noticed my negative body image controlling my day. Part of this is because of the warm weather beginning which means summer clothes. Don't get me wrong, I am a beach girl at heart and would do anything to be in the sun, however, I really struggling with allowing my body to be as it is as the warm weather approaches. I subconsciously feel the need to shrink myself and compare myself to unrealistic standards for myself.

No matter what, you will never be truly at peace and satisfied with your body. There is always going to be that one little thing that only you notice but drives you crazy. Your body never was, never is, and never will be the problem. The problem is comparison. The problem is the unrealistic beauty standard. The problem is worrying about other people's perceptions of yourself. The problem is is diet culture. The problem is the all or nothing mindset. THE PROBLEM IS NOT YOUR BODY.

Changing your body is not going to make you truly happy. Life is too short to spend at war with your body. Channel your energy to acceptance and compassion. The reality is that you may never LOVE your body. Rather, your goal should be to accept your body at every stage of life. Show your body gratitude. Treat yourself the way you treat your friends. If you are so focused on all of the things you hate about your body, you are only wasting your time and energy. Rewire your mind -- your flaws are not imperfections rather they simply make your who you are.

The number on the scale means absolutely nothing. The cookie you ate is not going to change your body. The workout you skipped will give you more energy in your next one. Your body is allowed to be soft. Closing your rings on your watch means nothing. Needing to size up is normal. Eating more than the people around you is perfectly okay. Resting is necessary. Living a happy and full life is the most important thing you can do for yourself.

You are so much more than a body. You are you -- a gift that is unique to you and no one else. Focus on what your body does for you everyday.

Things I am grateful because of my body that has nothing to do with my appearance:

- Wake up every morning

- Go to the beach

- Learn

- Spend time with my friends

- Run

- Play field hockey

- Surf

- Hot girl walks :)

- Coach at F45

- LIVE EACH DAY!!!

You are so loved. Live fearlessly authentic.

Please reach out with any questions, relatability, feedback etc! Connecting with people about this topic is my passion. Use your vulnerability and honor your feelings.

XO,

Mo