I have to say that I'm a little upset about Jennie's post about her goals. I'm not upset about her goals, but about the fact that there are people who think it's okay to say something about someone else's weight. I have strong feelings about this because of the way I've seen similar comments affect friends. One friend who was bulimic once told me her mom made comments about her overweight sister and she couldn't be like her sister. What a tragedy!
The other day I was trying on a pair of jeans that didn't fit at the beginning of the summer. Now that I'm really close to my pre-baby weight they actually fit. Delighted I triumphantly said, "Oh, wow! They fit now!" My daughter was in the room and with a puzzled look on her face said, "Did they grow bigger?" At that moment, I was mortified! What was I teaching her and what was she seeing me focus on?! She and I sometimes talk about healthy food and snacks versus candy and other "sometimes" foods. She sees my husband and me exercise and hears us talk about it. She'll sometimes say she wants to exercise then gets out of the stroller and runs the rest of the way home. But beyond the conscious teaching, I had to ask myself what is she seeing me focus on.
I know we talk a lot about weight and goals on this blog and try to help each other out with our goals, but let us remember, for me at least, that it really is about fitness, healthy living, and just being better individuals. A healthier weight is certainly a byproduct, but remember that healthy comes in all different shapes and sizes. (So whoever is giving Jennie crap needs to back off or may the calories of 1,000 donuts be upon your thighs!)
Thanks Heather! I appreciate that my Sis has my best interest at heart and loves me for me. The truth is, we should all be healthy and teach our kids the same. That's also different for every family. Some are vegan and some are Good at having balance and then there's everything in between. I'm very conscious about what I do and say in front of my kids. I would never talk about my body "issues" in front of them because I want them to feel great and confident in their on skin. I need to be that example. So thanks Heath! For reminding us of what's really the objective here. Perhaps we should change the blog a bit.
ReplyDeleteOh, i'm not saying that we should change the blog at all! I hope I didn't give you that impression. I think it's a great place for us to connect and talk about whatever we want. These are some things that i've been thinking about based on K's comment to me and me looking closer at what I am teaching her. Plus, I wanted to stick up for my hot sister and tell you that you're awsome!
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