Between the actors on tv, the models in magazines, and trying to keep up with the latest fashion trends, we are constantly surrounded by the image of how we are 'supposed to look.' We are 'supposed to' be size zero and wear a size small, but we are never told how we are supposed to be on the inside. No one tells us that true beauty comes from within, or that how we treat others is more important than how we look. In the end, it isn't going to matter if we had the latest iPhone, or the latest clothing style, but how we treated people will matter. There is nothing wrong with wanting the lastest iPhone, or wearing the nicest clothes, but our focus should not solely be on that. I think that Ellen DeGeneres had the best reply to the CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, she said, "Beauty isn't between a size zero and a size ten, its what's on the inside." There is nothing wrong with being a size zero, size 8, or size 16. What matters is how we see ourselves. If you put something on and you think you look good, then you go walk around with confidence, because if you are confident other people will see you as confident and they won't be focused on what size you are, but instead they will be focused on your attitude and how great you look in that outfit.
We are all too critical of ourselves, myself included. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others, and start comparing ourselves to who we were yesterday. If you are a better person then you were yesterday that is fantastic! We should be focusing on being a better version of ourself everyday and not a better version of someone else. Gandhi says it best, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." No one is going to change the world for us, we have to change the world ourselves. There is the saying that goes "Good things will come to those who wait," well, I believe that good things will come to those who get up and chase after what they want. I guess my point is, that we are so focused on trying to conform to this image that we forget to focus on ourselves, and become a better version of ourself everyday.
I frequent the gym because I am an athlete and I need to continue to stay in shape to play, but I love going to the gym and seeing people who are considered bigger. I see them and think "hmm, I wonder why they are here?" I wonder if it is because someone said something that made them self conscious, if their doctor told them that they need to eat better and exercise*, or if they decided that they wanted to get in shape for themselves. I always hope that it is the last one. I don't think that any of us need to change for anyone, but instead do it for ourselves. We are so focused on others and what they think, that we forget what we think about ourselves. If you want to drop some weight, eat healthy, gain weight, change your clothing style, or whatever it is that you want to change, do it for yourself, don't do it for anyone else! There are always people out there who are going to be critical of your life choices, but don't let them dictate your life! You are in charge of your life, so take charge of it and ignore the negative things that people will always say.
Truly the most important things in life are our health, happiness, friends, family, and pets, not how we look, or how cool we are. If we treat others with respect, we will be treated with the same respect. It is like the saying that we were all told when we were younger "Treat others the way you want to be treated." That saying is more important than anything we will ever wear.
If no one has told you, you are beautiful and loved!
Love,
Chrissy :)
You can watch the video I made for this here: http://youtu.be/g75liSaLUJs
*You should listen to your doctor because they do know what is best for your health.
