BODIED, Baby

Sooooo, Thanksgiving is around the corner and therefore so is my post-Thanksgiving body, or what I like to call my shamelessy thicker self. I honestly can't think of a better time to talk about body love/self love than a time when no one can resist eating the delicious foods put before them. I mean WHO says no on Thanksgiving?!

*If you said "me" I need you to stop reading here and return to your ridiculously healthy lifestyle. (Kbyeeeeee)

As I was saying it's a great time of year because it's a universal food loving/consuming season. I absolutely love being healthy and fit, but I've never been one to believe my body needs to look the same year round. And TBH I don't believe that every season is a "go hard' gym season. I am also convinced my body does not believe in these things either, haha. It's kind of like when people tan in the summer because they're looking forward to a darker version of themselves. I too love my darker chocolate self but we can discuss her next summer. For now I'll  speak on experiencing body phases, especially my curvier and sometimes heavier selves . I'm sure some people will relate to having a thicker fall/winter body and then sweating it all off as summer approaches, or maybe you have a more consistent body type year round, or maybe like myself, you have some seasonal phases mixed with these intermediate ones that both surprise & confuse you. Regardless of your annual norm or lack thereof, it's crucial that we come to love & appreciate those bodies. Whether you are working in the gym to alter your body or not, you ought to love it... every step of the way.

There's no mistaking that my body has phases as a by-product of the fact that my desire to eat a certain way, as well as the frequency & intensity of my workouts also have phases. It is a packaged deal. I am a firm believer in allowing myself to eat "poorly" when I truly desire/crave something, and I also have long periods where I just prefer to eat healthier. The same goes with the gym. When I want to challenge myself and "shred" (maybe done that twice in my whole life), I go for it, but I'll be damned if I do so when I have no desire to. In other words, things feels better when I want it, and so far my wants seem balanced enough to keep me healthy during all the phases which is key .

I realize that body and/or self love can be difficult for many, and you don't always have it all day, everyday in every stage of life.  It's one of those things you want to have at all times, deeply rooted in you, so that when shit pops off with your body, your relationships, your job, etc you can value you enough to make choices in your best interest. Self love regarding the body is a big part of that, because that's what we're living life in! You and everyone you'll ever meet is interacting with it. Your spirit, personality, intellect, speech, actions, and every special quality about you is tied to it. So body love is integral in self love.

I've already mentioned my post-Thanksgiving body, she's fun. After indulging in various holiday dishes with friends & family, I'm a little rounder, a lot softer, and just, honestly satisfied. I wasn't sure that was the right word at first, "satisfied"... but I don't know how else to describe it, because how can you even be mad about that food? It was good, I felt good after it, and though clothes are little more snug, I think still look good. Now, in no particular order, there's a few other forms I tend to take: pudgy/up 2 sizes (started med school with her), slim & soft aka lazy, winter/comfort, new years, birthday, okay summer, ayyyy hot summer, and a few others. The fun part is some are inherent based on habit while others only make an appearance if a choice is made. All, however, are subject to alterations, different frequencies, and slight inconsistencies, lol. I may spend 10 months in one and the other two in another, or maybe I'll have almost all of them within a year or 18 months... However the year(s) go, sometimes you just want hot cheetos w/ peperjack cream cheese or tacos (literally an everyday battle). Maybe you have a sweet tooth & that's the underlying reason behind your seasonal morphs. I don't personally, but hey it's important to know those weaknesses! Amirite?! (also a part of self love/acceptance) Whatever the cravings, or whatever the aversion (be it to a gym or just... running), the balance you build is by choice. Your health as well as your form are results of those choices. And both health & form must be included/considered in how you love your body and ultimately yourself.

Any change, big or small, in appearance, shape or weight can be a little jarring or simply call for some adjustment. Not to mention insecurities plague us all. They are unique but as a whole don't discriminate. Self love does not equal being free of insecurities, but it does mean your body is not to be mistreated, shamed, or disrespected by anyone, LEAST of all, by you. If you are unhappy or simply want to change it, DO IT, but not because you're under the impression you are less than beautiful, unworthy of admiration/respect, or devoid of any value. I assure you any & all forms you may take on, favorite or not, are still worth experiencing life's best & sweetest things.  And if you find yourself maybe having "a day" or week, you need to make sure your hype person is on speed dial or free to hang 'cause they KNOW you and love you, and will be there to see you in truth when you can't.

In the meantime, take advantage of whatever unique shape you're rockin'. Dress it up, try a new style, embrace it! Embrace the one of a kind combination of your sass, talents, intelligence, strength, smile, all of the best intangible things about you... in that "new" fabulous vessel.  Take care of it because it's still YOU... insecurities, flaws, and all! And you deserve to 
TREAT YO'SELF...
well.

xxO,
The Third Voice