Last night I got my heart broken…. But it’s not what you think. I watched “Embrace” a documentary about the global epidemic of poor body image in women. And oh, did it hit me hard. (https://bodyimagemovement.com/see-embrace-in-the-usa/)
It punched me in the gut to think about how body image and how I look has ruled essentially all decisions I’ve ever made on some level. And I know I’m not alone. In 100% of female clients I coach, body image has come up at least once if not all the time.
I remember going on my first diet at 8yrs old because someone called me thunder thighs. A cycle that would continue for 20 yrs.
I remember telling my parents I wasn’t going on my senior beach trip because I felt too fat.
I remember saying no to dates and events because I didn’t look my best or I didn’t eat well/exercise enough that week.
It breaks my heart to think of what I have already missed out on.
Present day: My conversations with my girlfriends still often revolve around our looks but it just sounds a little different now that we are older. Botox, lasers, juice cleanses, the newest extreme workouts. You name it, we are still talking about it.
The fact is, the media has done a fantastic job at setting standard for women and we are all constantly clawing our way to fit it at whatever cost.
We are constantly led to believe that we are not good enough.
The problem here is that women are not living up to their true potential as human beings because we are expending an EXTRAORDINARY amount of our energy trying to look and be perfect.
According to the film:
91% of women hate their bodies
50% of 5-12 yr old girls want to loose weight.
There are even “Pro-Ana” websites out there that are communities dedicated to the “anorexic lifestyle” Don’t believe me ? (Warning, this is disturbing) (https://theproanalifestyleforever.wordpress.com/religionandlifestyle/
As we walked out, my friend who I was with said the movie made her feel ” all the feels” and I couldn’t agree more. The film is heartbreaking, funny, depressing and warm all at the same time.
The group who I was with made little posters that said ” I LOVE MY BODY BECAUSE………….” I can’t tell you how many women I saw whispering to their friends that they didn’t know what they were going to write. This.is.NOT.ok.
I am so inspired and heartbroken after this film because this has been a HUGE struggle for me in my life and I would love to share some of my best practices and help you hash this out . I’m offering anyone who contacts me within the next 24 hours a session on me .
Boldly and Bravely yours,
Jessica
I am silver lining finder. Throw me in any situation and I’ll not only find something good but I’ll also find the opportunity. That’s exactly what brought me to my coaching career. 
