Taryn Brumfitt’s 10 Tips to Embracing Your Body
Two weeks ago, we talked about how Size Doesn’t Matter (given that the labels clothing companies slap on their garments are completely arbitrary).
Knowing that size doesn’t matter and accepting that your size doesn’t matter are two different things though, and the latter is much easier said than done.
I pride myself on the fact that I eat healthy, workout and do the best I can to take care of my body. No matter how close a person gets to their version of “perfect” though, there’s always that nagging feeling that you’re not good enough, fit enough, strong enough or skinny enough.
If you say you’ve never had that feeling, then I say: you must be a robot.
It’s just human nature to feel a little inadequate at times, especially in such a comparative culture.
So the question is: how do we push past these feelings and learn to love ourselves, imperfections and all?
I recently attended an incredibly inspiring event at Lorna Jane in Malibu, and hosted by the woman behind the Body Image Movement, Taryn Brumfitt, where I got some amazing advice on how to do just that.
Taryn spoke to the group about her own struggles with negative body image following the birth of her children, how she changed her outlook, and what she’s doing today to bring her message to women everywhere.
I left the gathering feeling strong, happy and confident in myself, and with a new appreciation for the imperfections that we’re so quick to criticize in ourselves and others, which should really be embraced as natural parts of being a woman (and a human).
In her speech, Taryn shared with us 10 tips for learning to accept your body. I hope you’ll find them as beneficial as I have.
10 Tips For Embracing Your Body
1. Suck It Up
So many atrocities occur everyday, worldwide. When you remind yourself of this, your body image issues may seem a bit smaller. I mean, if wrinkles or cellulite is your biggest problem, count yourself lucky. It’s about having perspective and gratitude for the things we do have.
2. Change Your Language
Be your own best friend and talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend. Would you tell your friend she looks fat in that dress? Then don’t say it to yourself either!
3. Health Before Beauty
Do exercise because of how it makes you feel instead of how it makes you look. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong to want to look nice, you just need to reframe the way you think about fitness. The overall focus should be on feeling great.
4. Put the Oxygen Mask on First
Women are really good at looking after everyone else before themselves. It’s important to take care of yourself first or you won’t be able to help anyone else. So make sure you’re taking the time to prioritize your health.
5. Engage in “Sparkle” Activities
Do things to excite, inspire and challenge yourself as often as you can. Whether it’s bungee jumping or attempting SUP Yoga for the first time, trying new things will bring you a positive sense of accomplishment.
6. Have a Laugh
Laughing at your imperfections instead of obsessing and dwelling on them will make them easier to accept. Taryn shared a story about she and her girlfriend comparing their breasts to scarves that they could wrap around their necks! You can’t take yourself or life too seriously.
7. Don’t Be Brainwashed
We are told that wrinkles look terrible and that we should get rid of our lines, but these are the natural results of a life well-lived. Aging is part of being a human being. Don’t let the advertising world’s depiction of beauty sell you an artificial story. “Aging is fabulous,” said Taryn. “And it’s a privledge that is denied to many. Be thankful.”
8. Fast Forward to Your Final Breath
What are you going to be thinking about during your final moments? Will it be stretch marks, cellulite, muffin tops? No? Then don’t let those things dominate your time now. Dedicate your time and energy to whatever your real answer to that question is.
9. Break the Rules
Buck the system. Do it your own way. Life is meant to be enjoyed. You can make no mistakes when you have no rules.
10. Treat Your Bodies Like They Are Vehicles
Your body is not an ornament, it is a vehicle to your dreams. Whatever you want to do, you can do, and your body is meant to take you there. Your body is not meant to be valued solely for it’s appearance.
For more information about the Body Image Movement, head over to Taryn’s website >>
And for more on embracing your body, check out these previous posts:
Even Supermodels Have Armpit Fat
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says:
Oh my gosh, I love this. Sounds like an inspiring event, and I want to learn more from Taryn. One of the things that helps me feel good about my body is to think about how hard I work in the group fitness classes I teach and how I’m able to do some powerful moves. Even though I’m not perfect physically, I’ve had to work very hard to be able to be fit enough to do some harder skills, and my body is able and willing. That’s a beautiful thing right there. Happy Friday! :)
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says:
What a cool event! Great tips. I think if we focus on health more the rest falls in place. Happy Friday!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says:
“sparkle activities” I like that phrase a lot. It’s a great one to use with my Girls on The Run team. I agree we all have times where we engage in neg self talk and criticize ourselves for things we wouldn’t say to a friend. It’s something I’ve always struggled with but I like to believe I have gotten much better at stopping it. Aging gives you some perspective as well.
ganeeban says:
Love this! More women need to read this list, thank you for sharing! xoxo, ganeeban
jill conyers says:
Whitney this is a fantastic post! It’s second best to actually being there to hear/meet Taryn in person.
Thanks for sharing.
Khushboo says:
Love this post Whitney! It’s a shame how much effort we tend to spend bashing our bodies rather than embracing them for all that they do to keep us alive and healthy! I’m a big fan of positive affirmations- even if you don’t believe them initially, it’s just a matter of time till they truly reflect how you feel about you body!
Bethann Wagner says:
This event sounds AMAZING! So cool that you got to attend that! I totally feel inadequate at times. I try to live by tip #1 – “I mean, if wrinkles or cellulite is your biggest problem, count yourself lucky” SO TRUE. Thanks for this great reminder! xoxo, BA
Pip says:
I love this, thank you. Such an important message that all women need to hear. I think the sooner we stop comparing ourselves to other women, the sooner we can start embracing ourselves. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is the person you were yesterday!
MJ Villanueva says:
I agree with you that sometimes we should break the rules and just enjoy. Live our life to the fullest and love what we have, acceptance is the key to be proud of yourself and gain confidence.