Positive Energy Only

I’ve written on the topic of body-image and diet-culture prior, but it seems timely to revisit this topic. 

I was recently given unsolicited advice about my training regime and diet; if I were to paraphrase the overall message that I heard from their comments it would be, “too much and yet not skinny.” Although, I trust that the opinions came out of genuine care and interest to optimize each, the reality is, the comments were highly triggering for me.

I thought I’d share a few thoughts in the hopes that we can start to more intently and deeply shift the perspective that people solely workout to lose weight, -- and -- normalize curves and healthy “fat” on our bodies.

 As I've always been, I want to be clear in this message that my #1 (not even #2, dot dot dot) intention, reason, goal, reward for working out is NOT to lose weight. It’s certainly an element, but I wouldn’t even say that I use the term to “lose weight” anymore; to get stronger; more toned; more fit; more fierce.

The truth is I am very intentional with my training and recovery schedule; I listen to my body very closely and respect its needs. My diet is healthy and balanced and consumed in moderation. Could I cut out more calories and be skinnier? 100%. But when cutting calories comes at the expense of eliminating foods that I already eat in moderation; I’m not interested. If it comes at the expense of me fighting my natural hunger-hellos; I’m not interested. And if and when working out becomes a chore as an attempt to solely lose weight; I’m not interested. Been there; attempted all of that. 

I workout, I train for so many other reasons; because I love it; because it feels good; because I can, these are my top one; all #1.

The reality is – I will never be a size 4 nor stand without-curves. And frankly, I credit my body’s shape and size with its ability to withstand a variety of athletic endurance activities relatively-well many of which with limited specific training and minimal injuries over the years. This shift in my own perspective has taken years to enlighten. I will not allow myself nor my mind to go-backwards.

So here’s what I want to reiterate in this post; The moment we start to judge other people without asking questions to better understand their intentions, mission, vision and goals; (in my case understanding my training schedule, recovery schedule, healthy diet and caloric intake), is a moment that I think we fail greatly as human beings. It’s a moment that I believe God looks down on us says, “nope — that’s not it. That’s not who I made you to be.”  

Judgement is toxic whereas I find constructive criticism and educated or inquisitive dialogue highly valuable. Whether we think it’s genuine or not, it’s negative energy and energy is our lifeblood.  It impacts every aspect of our lives: our health, our wellbeing, our relationship to self and others.

Life has proven to me that the only energy worth carrying is positive. The only vibes worth spreading are good. And the only thing we should ever judge is how we, as individuals, are showing up in our lives everyday.

So here’s my ask...

When you start to judge another, look inward and ask why? What are you being triggered by and how can you transform that negative energy back into positive energy and positive vibes?

We all win; the world wins when we rid our lives of judgement and fill those spaces with the goodness that positive energy is.  

Melissa, The Buzz

#judgement #dietculture #bodyimage #positivity #energy #goodvibesonly #fit #fierce #strongfittone>skinny