No Body’s Perfect

Have you ever noticed the Victoria’s Secret models on the TV commercials? They have the sultry eyes, flowing hair, generous tops to fill out the bras, full hips for the panties—and bird thin skinny legs? Sure, they have an enviable hourglass figure, but they still have a flaw that’s body image-related, nonetheless. They’re too skinny!

Even when on this weight loss travels for the final time, you have to remember to love yourself and others where they are. Weight loss will not happen overnight because you didn’t gain that weight overnight, either. But, while on this trip, enjoy it. Learn the lessons on the way, because that’s what they’re there for. Take your time with yourself—and taking your time with others will follow.

Even when you get to your goal weight and maintain that for half a year after getting there, your nose may still be too big, you eyes too small or your voice too squeaky. Don’t become a giant hairball to yourself and others in believing that, once the weight is gone, you’ll be picture perfect. If you weren’t liked when you were heavier, chances are, you may not be liked by the same person now that you’re lighter.

You are perfect, though, to someone who loves you despite your flaws, quirks, ticks, nits and shortcomings. Got short stubby legs? Losing weight simply will not change that. Perpetual dandruff? Shedding pounds won’t change that, ether. A rotten sister or a creep of a brother? Exercising more won’t magically make them disappear. The only way you can see yourself as being imperfectly perfect is that you are okay with you, regardless of where you are and someone else loves you for who you are, regardless of where you are.

But, even with something as grand as weight loss is, there are those in your life you may have to jettison because they’re toxic to your outlook and your new you. Someone who knew you when you were heavier treats you like garbage since you’ve lost the weight. That’s not okay. You have to love, respect and expect more of your imperfect perfect self to move on from them.At the same time, since they’ve always been there and it may be lonely without them, You have to love, respect and expect more of your imperfect perfect self to be patient with yourself for that someone to come alone—or secure enough in yourself to be okay with yourself if they don’t EVER come along.

Weight loss and self worth shouldn’t ever be a chore, a job or a burden. It wasn’t meant to be that. The beauty of discovering new and mysterious things is learning everything, the good and bad and twisted, things about yourself. Take this time. Enjoy it. Whomever new comes into your life during this journey.