Celebrating Milestones in the Body Image Journey

Take a moment to celebrate milestones in the body image journey and your progress in healing your relationship with your body. We'll celebrate small but meaningful wins, reflect on mindset shifts, and set intentions to continue fostering self-love and acceptance. Join us for a heartfelt discussion that recognizes every step of the journey as a victory.

Disclaimer: I am speaking as someone who is able-bodied and acknowledge my

privilege. These tips are still designed to support those with limitations and/or

chronic illness, which will be addressed below. It’s important to prioritize your

well-being in the best way for YOU, not based on what society may

deem ‘typical'.

When setting ‘health’ goals, many of us focus on reaching a specific weight or body fat percentage, often prioritizing how we want to look over how we want to feel and function.

Some clients come to me saying, “I know the weight I want to reach because I was able to do more at that weight.”

While that may be true, it’s not because your body is no longer capable; it’s because the way you think about your body is holding you back. Your body is always evolving, but how you perceive these changes ultimately determines their impact on you.

How can this be true?

Our bodies go through changes at every stage of life, influenced by factors like physical health, mental well-being, hormones, muscle and skeletal changes, injuries, nutrition, environment, stress, and more. Not all of these changes are negative.

As we grew up, we often viewed these changes as natural and, at times, as successes. For instance, when we got taller or faster, gained or lost weight, saw our muscles grow, or noticed our energy levels increasing, these were all signs of progress.

When we were younger, we eagerly anticipated the changes in our bodies, excited to use them in ways we’d always wanted to.

What milestones might we notice as our body changes?

We take the first step by noticing FUNCTION rather than looks and body

numbers. Depending on your wants and goals, your milestones will be different, but the idea of celebrating milestones remains the same.

Examples:

Walking- are you walking further? Faster? Not feeling as tired? Are you

increasing consistency? Are your moods improving? Are you feeling

physically better?

Fitness Classes- Are you attending your chosen classes consistently? Are

you noticing that the moves become easier? Are you feeling more energetic?

Are you connecting with people? Have your moods improved?

Eating a Balanced Diet- Am I including all the food groups in every meal?

Am I noticing my hunger cues more often? Am I snacking consistently? Am I eating without judgment or shame? Does my body FEEL good as a result of the food I am eating? What are some of the positive changes I am noticing in my mood and functioning?

Stretching- Are you able to touch your toes? Sit on the floor? Stand up more easily from a seated position? Are your joints feeling less tight? Do you sleep better after stretching? Are you resetting your nervous system?

When you walk by a mirror, or check your form at the gym, remember to keep your focus on your continued goals and NOT on how your body looks.

Our body is not the problem; the way we think about our body is.

If we continuously notice the things we can’t do, we are going to forget what

we can do, or how skills take practice. We have been learning to move in new ways throughout life as our bodies change, from childhood to adulthood. Body changes are celebrated when we are young, so why not celebrate as we have the privilege to get older?

How does this apply to chronic illness or body changes that are out of our

control? Notice, grieve, radically accept, and keep moving forward.

The goal of body acceptance is not to ignore your feelings and emotions, it’s to make space for them, experience them, and learn how to accept.

Changes are inevitable and often frustrating, but we can find ways to relearn our bodies and skills, and how to participate in activities we love.

Tips for Accessibility:

• Finding spaces that openly offer adjustments or inclusive exercises

• Focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t

• Talk to instructors or your doctor about physical limitations or what may help you reach your functional goals

• Have friends participate with you or talk to your instructor ahead of time to make the space feel safer and more inclusive for you.

• Take it slow and remember that improving skills in any movement or activity takes PRACTICE. Practicing with our body is no exception.

Your body can do anything at any size if you give it the confidence and support to allow it.

With Care,

Taylor Ashley RP