I have always been obsessed with how "big" I was in comparison to so many of my other peers. As a 160 pound, 22 year-old, 5'2" female, the stigma to be this thin, beautiful person that is on all the iconic billboards is overwhelming. I have NEVER been comfortable with who I am and have tried to hide myself in so many different ways. I would wear clothes that were too big, I would avoid going out in public, I have been doing whatever I could to avoid drawing attention to myself. It hasn't always been that way, when I was a senior in high school, I was at 125 and very comfortable with myself (given, I was also killing my body by not eating well and by being in two show choirs).
Last March, I officially decided that I was going to get rid of my scale. Why? Isn't it important to know how much you weigh? yes. It is. But not to the point of compulsively checking your weight EVERY time you go into the bathroom and choosing to avoid eating altogether because I was desperate to lose weight. I focused on intaking fewer calories than even the recommended dieting amount for my body type.
It was unhealthy, it was compulsive, it was obsessive.
So, I got rid of my scale and decided the only time I am going to weigh myself is at the doctor's office. Let me tell you, I am so much happier. I don't focus on what I weigh. Instead, I focus on being and feeling healthy and good about myself. I exercise when I want to (which makes it more enjoyable). I eat what I want to, but eat foods that are good for me (most the time). I treat myself how I want to be treated because I think it is so important to love on myself, even when I am not exactly where I want to be. I have lost 10 pounds since I got rid of my scale, and I honestly think it has to do with being less stressed about what I weigh and for once in my life, loving myself and the body I am in.
I encourage any woman (or man) struggling with body issues or self-esteem, to get rid of that think that is causing that unhappiness. Focus on the healthy habits and healthy mindset to keep you going and learn to love yourself. I don't want to cheat you by saying it will be easy, because it is hard and takes a lot of work. But you CAN do it. And I am here for you.
