Let's Change the Conversation

A week ago my best friend and I spent an afternoon at the pool. It was glorious. The sun was shining, it wasn't too hot or humid.

We met at her house and walked to her neighborhood pool. We had a lot to catch up on.

When we got to the pool and took our swim covers, I noticed how in shape she was. Working out is something that we both struggle with keeping up. In the middle of our conversation, I off handedly mentioned how in shape she was.

She paused and laughed and said how she was just thinking about how fat she was.

It shocked me.

My friend is seriously one of the most beautiful people I know. She takes care of her body and her all around health.

I've realized recently just how much negativity there is that surrounds how we all look at ourselves. We are truly our own worst critics. What if my friend saw herself through my eyes, an admiring friend? What if she saw herself through her husband's, a man that adores her? What if she saw herself through her future children's eyes, the woman who carried them and gave them life?

What would change then?

I have three young nieces who love to dress up in their ball gown costumes and pretend to be princesses. I don't want my nieces growing up and thinking there is anything wrong with them. They are perfect just the way that they are. Just like my friend is. Just like you are.

We need to start to change the conversation away from the negative thoughts of what we wish our bodies would look like. We need to start to think of ourselves as beautiful, smart, sexy, pretty, intelligent, kind, loving, hopeful, joyous, helpful, insert an adjective here, kind of women.

Can we please start to do that? Can we please change the conversation?