Friday afternoon was spent lazily throwing rocks into the river and climbing trees. It was a wonderful family outing with some great shots to prove it.
Picking out good ones with Little C.
Throwing rocks into water can be so exhilarating.
My boys.
This morning in Sunday School I came across this little gem in 2 Ne 9:51 " let your soul delight in fatness." Even if I am taking this slightly out of context, the concept rung out to me. Now why can't I take the counsel of the scriptures? Why can I not just let myself slid into middle-aged chubbiness with delight? Just earlier that morning, I set down some ridiculous plan to lose 10 pounds in 8 weeks on a no-fun diet of a dessert fast and whole grains. In my 30 years on this planet, I remember about 6 where I delighted in my fatness. Every year after was spent pondering, thinking, and wondering how to change it. I'm obviously depriving myself of some much needed happiness!
1981: My sister Diana (L) and I singing, "Stop, in the Name of Love."
It was the last time I remember thinking I looked hot in a swimsuit.
I've decided that this scripture was a gentle reminder not to be so hard on myself. I think as women in this consumer-driven society, we begin to see ourselves as a product. Are we pretty enough? Do our clothes look great? Do we measure up? I haven't been measuring up in my mind for a very long time, and I'm tired. My body, as imperfect as it is, has produce three beautiful children. And even though that process drastically changed every inch of my body, I couldn't have asked for a better trade off.
I think that instead of doing my silly plan, I will simplify it. I will not overindulge, as I am prone to do, but eat in moderation the things that I enjoy. I will continue to exercise. I will drink so much water I could pass as a whale. If I lose a few pounds, I'll be happy. But the next time I sit down and my belly strains against my waistband, instead of inward groans and beratings, I will pat my mama tummy with delight. I promise.
I put this to you, as summertime and swimsuit season hovers, what will you do to be a little kinder to yourself this time around?
3 comments:
Julia,
I LOVED this entry. I needed to hear it badly. Thanks for helping me to keep things in perspective. That scripture makes me laugh out loud every time I read it! Thanks.
Bri
The thing I have tried to do for my body is not eat after 7pm - it has made a huge difference. Nevermind the fact at 6:55 I am cramming as much junk as I can down me, I still have lost tons (okay some) weight with my pretty easy to follow diet plan.
Love your take on this scripture. We as women are too hard on ourselves. Thanks for the reminder of true beauty.
Post a Comment