Member-only story
I’m not sure what day it is since my partner and I self quarantined…I believe we are beginning our fifth week. So, Day 35? It’s been 35 days since the governor of California mandated that all non-essential businesses shut down. It’s been 35 days since I’ve stepped into a gym. 35 days since I’ve worn anything that weren’t yoga pants, leggings, or pajamas.
And I can honestly say this is the healthiest my body image has ever been. I don’t dread putting on clothes (because who dreads putting on leggings?), I’m not body checking to make sure my belly doesn’t stick out over my pants. I’ve spent the past 35 days focusing on what goes on inside my head, focusing on how I FEEL inside my body instead of whether I think it looks nice or not.
And I am now coming face to face with the hypocrisy I’ve lived for the past year. You see, I have spent the last year working as an eating disorder dietitian. Working predominantly with women (ages 12 through 65 because psychological disorders don’t discriminate by age) who are consumed by their compulsive body thoughts and body dysmorphia.
One of the most important lessons I teach my clients is that their value is in no way tied to their body. They are not better sisters, girlfriends, mothers, wives, employees, business owners, or friends because their bodies look or do not look a certain way.
