The overpowering ‘health’ messages of today propagate a belief that a person is not ‘good enough’ if they do not meet a particular ideal.
Whether this message is delivered deliberately, accidentally or subliminally, we can’t doubt its volume.
I profoundly disagree with this sentiment.
The choices a person makes to embrace life and cherish the body they have by showing it appropriate care are central to health excellence – not whether they fit into a certain dress or belt hole.
We don’t teach children to read by mocking them for how they are reading right now, that would be ridiculous – but it’s how much of society treats people who are trying to make positive changes with their health.
If we are to put in the effort to look after ourselves, perhaps we need to feel worthy of giving it.
In a world that tells the majority of people they aren’t good enough unless they conform to a universal ideal, this is unlikely to happen.
Ultimately, we need to start empowering people rather than telling them they are not good enough.
It’s that simple.
Believe in yourself and remember how magnificent your body is! Daniel
Thank you Daniel.
Claire
WashingtonDC
Your perspective is one I need to remember often. After nearly 70 years of internalizing the “not good enough” messages, it is still difficult to look in the mirror without finding fault the very first thing. Today, young people today have it even tougher with all the body shaming on social media. Thank you for your positive message of being kind and accepting of our “perfect,” one-and-only bodies.
I am so moved by this Daniel. Can’t even find the words to express the impact that your unique place in world is making on all those you reach. I simply can’t watch this without crying tears of gratitude and hope