Weight issues at home
I can be quite honest about this topic without any protection of identity. The topic of weight is important to bring up at home although can be very harmful if not in a healthy perspective. I personally grew up in a home where weight was not only important to monitor for health reasons, but was the revolving focus of beauty and self esteem. It took me many, many years to figure out where I could be in weight, yet still be healthy and enjoy the joys of life such as food.
The topic of weight was discussed in a rather humiliating tone as the heavier women were teased and labeled for their size and not for who they are. I recall moments where I did not want to go shopping or swimming as a teenager because I felt as though I did not look good enough. There were also moments in my adolescence where I strived to not eat much in the day or feel totally guilty and run for hours on end to burn the calories consumed.
I believe that my family did not realize how much this affected my growth and self perception. We are much healthier now and enjoy balanced diet and exercise together as a way of bonding and sharing time together. I really caution care with this topic, I will exercise this as I have a young daughter and want her to feel confident in herself and love herself.
Buckley Blog Comment 1:
ReplyDeleteCynthia,
I really admire your honesty and openness. I know that for most women weight is a tricky and sensitive subject. I had a similar experience with shame and weight regarding family. In my late teens, my grandmother, who is extremely overweight herself, would constantly comment on my weight and the food choices I was making. It made me very self conscious and guilty, even though I was at a normal weight for my height and age. I think it is wonderful that you are breaking the cycle with your daughter by creating a safe and open environment. I hope to do the same with a daughter of my own some day.
Thank you for sharing your experience Cynthia. It is so easy to slip into a pattern where everything revolves around looking perfect. We will never be perfect, so we'll never feel satisfied with the way we look. Having a balance is the key. Working out to stay fit and eating healthy is also very important. However, its okay if you miss a work out, and if you have that unhealthy meal it’s okay. As you said feeling good about yourself and the way you look is so very important. Thank you again for opening up and sharing your thoughts with us.
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