In the last blog post Jemima shined light on the body positive movement, and I don’t know if there was anyone more excited than I was to see the feature. It was impeccable timing as this time of the year we are inundated with messages to “improve” ourselves (usually our bodies). I love the body positive movement because it celebrates acceptance of one’s self and acceptance of all, right now, at any and every shape, size, and ability. This kind of self-acceptance elevates us closer to the knowledge that we are already beautiful, we are already enough.
Imagine how different New Year’s resolutions would be if everyone, especially women, knew that at their current weight, current position, current income, current relationship status—despite whatever external factors—that they are already good enough.
Last year, Psych Central shared the experience of two therapists and two psychologists on the moments they realized they were enough. Initially each of them had tied some external efforts and achievements to their sense of worthiness. However, it was a shift in perspective that actually paved the way to knowing that they were good enough just as they are. They make clear that achieving a certain reputation, performance, beauty ideal, lifestyle, or level of perfection ultimately does not make one person worth more than another.
In the end they realized that being enough does not have to do with their external profile; each found the peace of mind of being good enough, and for each it came with a form of giving. One of the clinicians learned she was enough by simply giving her musical gift to others. Another realized that being enough was from simply being one who gives love and care to her family. The last two clinicians, bringing home a powerful message, found their moments of being enough in giving compassion, to their own selves. It is enlightening to see that even professionals who help others toward mental and emotional health are susceptible to the fear of not being enough.
If more of us knew we were good enough as we are, I can imagine that more New Year’s resolutions would have to do with what one can give, rather than one’s imagined flaws or shortcomings. Can we show more kindness? Perhaps be more patient? Can we give someone the benefit of the doubt or maybe give the chance to do better?
As we continue pioneering into 2017, let’s hope more self-improvement goals are geared toward giving loving care and compassion rather than obsessing over “body goals” and beauty regimens. And sometimes you will find that you are the one who needs the loving care and compassion. But remember you won’t need to fix something about yourself to deserve it. You are already enough.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-the-moment-i-realized-i-am-enough/
For a deeper dive into the body positive movement I highly recommend checking out some of the vocal body positive advocates on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Last week a few advocates hosted a “Twitter Party” dropping bombs of knowledge and strength around this movement. Look up #bopotips to see the party’s thread of empowering body positive tweets.