Seasons change, time passes, and our bodies fluctuate.
When I was in my sophomore year of college, my passion for fitness skyrocketed. I fell in love with the sport of Cross-fit because it reminded me of my favorite childhood sport, gymnastics. Cross-fit wasn’t like your average gym experience with machines, ear buds and the occasional water break. It was intense but in the best kind of way. It is founded on community, workouts that push you to your highest capacity and real results. If you cultivate good eating habits and a regular Cross-fit schedule, you will be in the best shape of your life… and I was.
Fast forward almost four years later. Although I was extremely passionate about Cross-fit, my life changed, my schedule filled up and my priorities shifted. I slowly transitioned out of 5:30am workouts and kale shakes into an occasional 7am workout and more carbs. I started a full-time job, got engaged and began building a business on the side, and as my workout schedule and eating habits changed, so did my body. I vividly remember realizing that my tummy had gotten puffier and developed a couple more rolls - I was mortified. My life was changing, and so was my body.
Life is compiled of seasons, and our priorities change in each one.
After acknowledging the change in my body, it took me a long time to love it in its new form. I battled my body for nearly a year, trying to get back into Cross-fit, removing all carbs six days a week and trying to lose fifteen pounds before my wedding… But nothing worked. My life changed, my priorities changed and the change in my body was a result of that.
Disclaimer: I’m not saying that I gained fifty pounds or look entirely different, but I am saying that my body changed. I’m a little less tone, I’ve got a few more rolls and maybe a little bit more cellulite, and although the change wasn’t drastic, any change in your body can be hard to accept. But the quicker we can acknowledge and accept the fluctuation in our bodies, the happier we will be. When we can embrace our body in its different forms and variations, we have accessed a whole new level of self-love.
Body fluctuation is entirely normal.
Just like seasons change so does our body. The truth is that my passion for Cross-fit dwindled because my priorities changed, and that is totally okay. No matter what season we’re in, it’s imperative that we embrace and accept our body for what it is rather than hating it for what it’s not. Our bodies are so much more than a reflection in the mirror. They give breath to our lungs and hold our beating heart. We have to learn to love them well… even in the fluctuation.
1| Acknowledge that life is changing, and give your body grace.
Sometimes life changes so quickly that we forget to acknowledge our shift in priorities. We suddenly find ourselves in the midst of huge change and wonder why our workout schedule and diet have taken the back seat. Look at your life, priorities and schedule and acknowledge when it’s a busier season. Accept the fact that you cannot do it all and do it successfully. We are human beings, and we are only capable of so much at one time. Have grace for your body in the busier seasons. Maybe you can’t hit the gym five days a week, but maybe you could choose the salad over the donut. Make the small choices count and have grace for yourself!
2| Find a sense of balance. Health is achieved in the small choices!
Instead of setting unattainable schedules and goals for yourself, make all of your small choices count! Rather than setting strict goals out of insecurity, set goals out of a genuine passion to serve your body well. So, maybe you can’t go to the gym every day of the week, but maybe you can take an evening walk two or three days out of the week. Maybe you can’t meal prep for every single day of the week, but maybe you can choose the sandwich over the double cheeseburger when you go out. Make healthy choices when you can!
3| Love your body for more than its appearance.
Your body is so much more than a reflection in the mirror. It isn’t simply an object on the shelf up for debate, question and suggestion. It is a living, breathing, beautiful work of art, and it’s time that we realize that.Take time to acknowledge your body for every single way that it serves you: it gives you breath, allows you to experience yummy food, leads your feet to explore beautiful places, allows your eyes to behold the wonder of the earth and carries your beating heart. It is a truly magical, beautiful, wonderful and stunning work of art. Acknowledge that fact.
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How do you embrace your body in its fluctuation? Share your thoughts with us below! We love to hear from you.
Ashton is the founder of The Authentic Woman, a platform that empowers women to live authentically as themselves. She firmly believes that women have the power to shift culture, eradicate unjust standards and ultimately change the world. When she's not working with her husband, she is most likely sipping on a cup of local coffee, swooning over pottery or adding to her succulent collection.
Connect with Ashton over on her Instagram!