How Do I Look?

Everybody likes to look good. We do a lot to look good but everyone also seems to have some issues with how they look. Lately, I have seen a lot flying around the internet about body acceptance and body shaming. It is a hot button issue in some circles. Young girls are feeling pressure to reach an unobtainable standard of beauty. That being said, I'm not sure where they are feeling the pressure to come from. 

Is it coming from other girls? Is it coming from young boys? Is it coming from within?

One thing that young women should understand is all women have issues with how they look. Also, women should understand that all people, including men, have issues with how they look. I would venture a guess that most people think they are less attractive than they actually are.

A couple of weeks ago, I was chatting with an sales associate at one of my customer locations. She is young, exercises on a regular basis, and keeps herself very fit. We were discussing exercise and how to get better results. She indicated that she was close to the shape she wants to be in but, it wasn't where she would like to be. I told her I know a lot of women that would think she's nuts for having any body image issues. She saw my point but also said there is a lot of guys that would think I'm nuts if I have body image issues. 

This is what got my attention.

For a long time I have seen myself as rather average. Before I quit drinking Coca-Cola I saw myself as average. I knew I was too heavy for my frame but I I figured it was just a few extra pounds like so many other people. after losing nearly 40 pounds I still see myself as rather average and there is a lot of work to be done. I don't have the body of an underwear model but since I'm not trying to be one, I really don't need it.

As I've been driving all over Ontario, I've been thinking a lot about what really makes someone attractive. Much of my job requires me to deal with the general public and I've been looking at people and why they are attractive.

I've found it isn't one specific shape that makes someone attractive. It's not if you are are tall, or short. It doesn't matter if you are skinny. The number on the scale doesn't matter. What matters (at least to me) is if you look healthy and active. 

To me, healthy and active includes healthy looking skin, bright eyes, and a spring in your step. You should look like you can do something completely out of your routine and not get worn out by it. You should have a clear mind so your conversation is sharp. My mind stays clear when I eat right and exercise. You need the right body for you.

I truly believe that everyone should include regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. With regular exercise some people will end up skinny as a rake while others will end up looking more like The Rock. Meanwhile the vast majority of us will end up somewhere in between. We won't be the perfect specimen but that doesn't mean we won't look good in other people's eyes. What's even better is you will feel better if you exercise and eat right. If you feel good, you will look better. You will be more engaging and someone great to be around.

If you live a healthy life, your body will look good on its terms and who doesn't want to look good on their own terms.