Can You Be Thankful Instead of Critical?

So Saturday I was at the Painted Pony Farm Fun Day in Monticello, Florida and my amazing grandson was doing a demonstration for the crowd of therapeutic horseback riding which he does at Hands and Hearts for Horses in Thomasville.  He is on the autism spectrum and sometimes gets distracted in crowds, like at a horse show.  I was side-walking with him during the demo (doing an ankle or over-the-knee-hold) and generally helping to keep him focused on the instructor.  It was a fun day and great publicity for H & H, who do amazing work with people with physical and mental challenges.

Later that night, there were even some video clips of my grandson, Granger Henning, on the local news riding at the Fun Day.  As they showed the shot of him trotting on Andrew, the H & H horse, I saw myself jogging next to him.  The first thing I thought was, "My backside looks huge, instead of thinking, "Wow, I am so grateful to be able to jog with my grandson next to me, at my age and with a diagnosis of CFS and fibromyalgia.  My legs are strong."

It is so easy to be critical with ourselves and the way we look.  I am guilty of this, as I am sure most women are as well.  Can we just stop beating ourselves up for not being 120 lbs. and look like the models in magazines and start being grateful for what we can do with our bodies?  Today I am going to volunteer up at the stable and I am grateful to have the energy to do it.  What part of your body can you be grateful for today?  Can we just be gentle with ourselves?

Hate One Body Part?

Every woman has at least one part of their body that they don't like.  For me it has always been my hip/thigh area.  However, the older I get, the more sensitive I am about the back of my upper arms.  My four-year-old grandaughter loves to feel the back of my upper arms, because they feel cold to her.  She calls them my "flaps!"  Recently, when on vacation, my husband took a picture of my over-the-top excitement over seeing a mama moose with a baby and a mama bear with two cubs.

 

When I saw the picture, all I saw were my "flaps" instead of remembering what a great moment it was.  Can't we all be a little more gentle with ourselves, quieting the critical voice and accepting the way we were made?  Sure, I do exercises for my triceps, but some things just can't be changed.  How about appreciating at least one part of your body today?  Check out my outfits on Pinterest or on this blog for ideas on putting together a "style that makes you smile" when you look in the mirror.

 

 

I have been giving a lot of thought to my new business and what might help women who are having a little trouble putting outfits together from their own closets, letting items go that don't fit or they haven't worn in years and facing the daunting task of buying new things that go together and will perk up their wardrobe.  I think sometimes at the bottom of all this discouragement and uncertainty is a basic disatisfaction with their bodies and how they look and feel.  I am hoping to offer suggestions and ways to overcome this negative body image and help women to begin to look at themselves with new appreciation and self-confidence.  All comments and suggestions are welcome. One of my favorite verses is this one:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.  Psalm 139:14