Page 43 of Big Girls Do It Stronger

The way I’ve decided to approach it actually has two parts. First, I’m being kind to my body. I am looking in the mirror and focusing on every single good thing I can see. I’m taking LOTS of full body photos of myself. If you were to look back through my photos over the years, you would see that I have almost no full body photos. I don’t even think I used to look at my body below my neck when I looked at myself in the mirror. Now, I try to take a moment and really look at myself. I want you to try and do that too—really see yourself, really feel yourself. Don’t just take a short glimpse, but take a really good, loving look. I’m not sure this is something we are ever really taught to do, and maybe we should talk to our daughters about it, too.

This is a tiny commercial for theBIG GIRLS DO IT RUNNINGCOMPANION JOURNAL. Journaling has helped me SO MUCH! There are many times that writing down measurements, recording accomplishments, or just journaling my feelings has made all of the difference in this journey. I really suggest getting a journal to write down some of these thoughts and feelings so you can look back and see how far you’ve really come.

Above all, I think positive self-talk and positive self-action are the most important pieces of this puzzle. Still, even years into this journey, I’ll slip into negative self-talk. My oh-so helpful husband will say to me, “J, what would you say if one of the ladies in your group said something like that about herself? Would you let her talk that way? No? Well then, don’t let yourself do it either!” Gosh, Jack isn’t always right but when he is, he REALLY is.

So I’m telling myself what I tell you: be proud not only of where you are now, but where you came from. Be proud of each and every step on this journey. We will grow, we will be stronger, and we will run on together.

Say it with me:

I’m working toward a better, healthier me.

I deserve to feel good!

I am going to love myself.

I will work to love myself exactly as I am today.

I will talk and think positively about myself.

My body is beautiful.