Feeling A Bit Self Conscious

5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 4, Day 1
Home Workout

I’ve been having an argument with myself over if I should post this workout video or not.  I’ve been feeling a bit self-conscious.  I’ve edited the video, put it on private on youtube, and there it has sat.  Buuut, I can’t seem to post the next video until I post this one.

You see, I am not a body builder.  I am not super fit.  I don’t have an amazing body.  I have a normal, soft, squishy, cuddly body.  I am ok with that.  In fact, I am more than ok, I love my body.  I’m not obsessed with myself or anything, I’m just comfortable with who I am.  I’m thankful for all of the things my body has done for me and all of the journey’s we’ve been on together.

I don’t need big muscles, rock hard abs, a butt you could bounce a quarter off of, thighs that could crack a nut.  Instead, I have a lap that is soft and great for sitting on for stories.  I have a tummy that makes an awesome pillow for snuggle time.  My butt is comfortable to sit on, unlike my skinny days.  My arms are big enough to hold all of those I love.  I don’t need much more than that.

So why am I doing a 5 week workout challenge?  My goal is not to have a super model body.  My goal is to get a moderate level of exercise so that my body is healthy, regardless of its size or amount of squishyness.  My goal is to inspire others to move their bodies and get healthy too.  My goal is to show that you don’t have to be perfect or even strive for perfection to exercise.

Getting daily exercise doesn’t have to be boring or grueling.  There are so many ways to exercise!  Walking, hiking, jogging, running, dancing, rock climbing, pilates, trampoline, swimming, biking, I could go on and on.  Find something that YOU love and do it!

Although I feel confident about how I feel about my body, for myself and for my family, it’s a different thing to expose oneself to the world.  Seeing myself on video, and my not so perfect body, I worry not about what others might say as much as how my children would feel if they saw others saying bad things about me.  I’ve seen some cruel things said online about a lot of different topics.  My heart hurts for those that the comments are aimed at.

Ultimately, I’ve decided to be brave and post this video regardless of what anyone else might think.  Should anyone say anything mean, I will let it roll off my back.  The only opinions that matter to me are of those I love and of myself.

Do you ever feel self-conscious about your body?  Do you worry about strangers making rude comments?  How do you handle that kind of situation?

 

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Week: Week 3, Day 4: 4-Year-Old Adventure
Next Week: Week 4, Day 2: Fort Snelling

4 Year Old Adventure

4 Year Old Adventure
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 3, Day 4

The big kids went to the drive in with Grandma and Grandpa, so Princess and I decided to go on an adventure.  We went on a walk downtown and along the river.  It was the perfect evening for a walk and we had a lot of fun!

Princess LOVES going for walks.  She is a little outdoors girl.  If we could live outside, she would be so happy.  One of her favorite activities is camping.  She’s always asking me when we can go play outside together.  I let her lead us on this 4-year-old adventure.

I’m naturally a home body.  I love hiding inside.  I’m always looking for ways to motivate myself to go outdoors more because the outdoors are beautiful and they always make me feel closer to God.  Doing this exercise challenge has been a great way to do that.  I do love to explore new places too, but it’s nice to have a little girl who pushes me to do so.

I hope we’ve been inspiring you to get outdoors too if you are naturally a home body like me.  Exercise doesn’t have to be gruesome and horrible.  Getting outside, exploring the world and all of the wonders that God created for us to enjoy is fun and exciting.  The person who moves slowly on the trail is still moving faster than the person at home on their couch.  So get out there and get some fresh air!

Have we motivated you to get outside this week?  Do your kids love to go outside as much as my little outdoor girl?

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Week: Week 3, Day 3: Covered Bridge Park
Next Week: Week 4, Day 1: Morning Workout