To the woman who’s trying to stay fit, I know it’s hard. I know that on some days all you want to do is sit on the couch and relax, not go to the gym and count calories. It may seem impossible at times, but you’ve already taken the first step. Deciding to take better care of yourself is the most difficult part of this whole journey, and you’ve already achieved that.
I’m not saying that this is going to be easy. On the contrary, this may well be one of the most challenging things that you ever do. Despite that, it’s also going to be the most rewarding. This is a letter to the woman who’s struggling to stay healthy and get in shape.
Don’t Give Up
Forget about what everyone else thinks. Other people’s opinions are unimportant and should never be your sole motivation for doing things. If you really want to succeed then you need to remember why you’re really doing this. You’re doing it for you. You’re doing it for your health, for your wellbeing, for your self-esteem.
Let the realization that you’re trying to get fit for your own happiness fuel you. Even when times are tough and you want to quit, don’t. The only person that you’re letting down by giving up is yourself. So, don’t hurt yourself in that way.
I know that it’s not easy eating a salad when you just want a pizza, and it’s not easy going to the gym when you want to watch TV. However hard it may get though, it’s better in the long run if you just keep going.
Imagine how much progress you can make in just a few weeks or months if you don’t let yourself give up.
Screw Beauty Standards
The media is full of pictures of photoshopped women, claiming that they have the ideal body. They tell us that we need flat tummies, thigh gaps, tiny waists, and countless other unrealistic attributes. With all these unrealistic ideals going around, it’s only natural that’d you’d want to try and meet them. Then, you can end up feeling disheartened when you can’t achieve them.
However, it’s important to remember that these things are unrealistic. Not even the women in the magazines look like that. In spite of how the world tells you that you should look, strive for a beauty standard that suits you. As long as you feel healthy and you’re happy with the way you look, who cares if you have a thigh gap or not?
It’s About How You Feel
Dieting and exercising shouldn’t be about becoming a swimsuit model. It should be about looking after your health and feeling good about yourself. If your only goal is to lose 10 pounds or go down a dress size, you’re just going to feel disappointed if you don’t meet those goals.
So, change the goals that you set for yourself. Instead of trying to lose another 2 pounds, aim to feel confident in your own body. Instead of deciding to only eat salads and white meat, feel proud of yourself for cutting out soda or for lowering your portions. Trying to get in shape is a positive thing, so don’t make yourself feel so negative at every turn.
You are doing so amazing, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Keep working until you feel happy about you.
Getting in shape is a long, difficult road. Likewise, trying to make healthy choices when you’re so used to making bad ones is hard. Remember that this is not a war, you’re not fighting against anyone. What you’re doing is taking positive steps to change your life for the better. Although you may feel like you’re failing sometimes, I applaud you for how much work you’ve done so far.
Do you know someone who’s trying to get in shape? If so, share this article with them to help them stay motivated.
