This week's episode is real, and raw, and bound to take you on a rollercoaster. It definitely took me on a ride, that's for sure.
I want this episode to feel like a conversation with me, curled up on my cozy couch with your drink of choice. I share unfiltered, not-so-flattering thoughts and beliefs I still have-even after years of work on body image and body acceptance.
I used to get a lot of compliments and comments about my body and how “hot” I was. Now that I’ve gained weight and I’m out of the “desirable” size range for most men--let’s be real--I don’t get a lot of attention at all. In fact, sometimes I feel invisible. And I think that to a certain extent, I used to look for validation based on the comments I got. So even though I’m not getting negative comments about my appearance, the lack of attention speaks volumes. And what is it really saying, if I get to the root of it? That a big part of me still really believes that my worth is determined by my appearance.
I can’t sit here and say “your flaws are loveable” if I’m not showing you my own.
It’s okay to mourn for your smaller body that you may have had in the past. It’s okay to wish you were skinnier so people would notice you more. That’s the result of the conditioning we’ve been given. And because you’re aware of it, you don’t have to let that feeling run your life if it has been up to this point.
Dive into this episode when you're ready, and let's chat some more!
To purchase my Body Acceptance Book, click here.
I'd also love for you to come connect with me on Instagram! I'm @laurenmkendrick. Screenshot the episode to let me know you're listening, so I can give you a shoutout and say hey!