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16. How I Stopped Hating My Body + What I Leaned Into Instead [Season 2!]
01/26/24 • 30 min
We've all had our moments standing in front of the mirror, grappling with a reflection that doesn't quite align with the confidence we're told to embody. Megan and I open up about the highs and lows of our personal paths to body acceptance, unearthing the deep-seated issues beneath our battles with body loathing. Through candid conversations, we break down the societal pressures to conform to beauty standards and the mental health struggles that often accompany this pursuit. It's not just about dissatisfaction with our reflections, but the way we tie our self-worth to perceived personal failures and the relentless chase for self-discipline.
Reflecting on our youth, Megan and I paint a picture of the contradiction that is growing up amidst society's ideal body norms. With media and cultural pressures as a backdrop, we dissect the absurd expectations set by the fashion industry, and how such standards have shaped our self-criticisms from cellulite to the smallest imperfections. This honest discussion opens the floor to the understanding that body image challenges extend far beyond surface-level aesthetics, rooted deeply in the internalized fears and beliefs we've carried since childhood.
As the conversation shifts, we explore how injuries and physical setbacks can redefine our identities, emphasizing the need to find new sources of self-worth and joy beyond our physical capabilities. We introduce the concept of body image flexibility, encouraging listeners to cultivate self-compassion and align with core values that resonate more authentically than any societal 'should'. Ending on a note of guidance, we offer a roadmap to a fulfilling life that prioritizes self-acceptance over appearance, reminding everyone that strength is measured not by size, but by the depth and breadth of the lives we lead. Join us again next Friday as we continue to unravel the complexities of body positivity and mental health, one story at a time.
So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday.
Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.
Stay Sturdy, friends.
We've all had our moments standing in front of the mirror, grappling with a reflection that doesn't quite align with the confidence we're told to embody. Megan and I open up about the highs and lows of our personal paths to body acceptance, unearthing the deep-seated issues beneath our battles with body loathing. Through candid conversations, we break down the societal pressures to conform to beauty standards and the mental health struggles that often accompany this pursuit. It's not just about dissatisfaction with our reflections, but the way we tie our self-worth to perceived personal failures and the relentless chase for self-discipline.
Reflecting on our youth, Megan and I paint a picture of the contradiction that is growing up amidst society's ideal body norms. With media and cultural pressures as a backdrop, we dissect the absurd expectations set by the fashion industry, and how such standards have shaped our self-criticisms from cellulite to the smallest imperfections. This honest discussion opens the floor to the understanding that body image challenges extend far beyond surface-level aesthetics, rooted deeply in the internalized fears and beliefs we've carried since childhood.
As the conversation shifts, we explore how injuries and physical setbacks can redefine our identities, emphasizing the need to find new sources of self-worth and joy beyond our physical capabilities. We introduce the concept of body image flexibility, encouraging listeners to cultivate self-compassion and align with core values that resonate more authentically than any societal 'should'. Ending on a note of guidance, we offer a roadmap to a fulfilling life that prioritizes self-acceptance over appearance, reminding everyone that strength is measured not by size, but by the depth and breadth of the lives we lead. Join us again next Friday as we continue to unravel the complexities of body positivity and mental health, one story at a time.
So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday.
Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.
Stay Sturdy, friends.
Previous Episode
15. How to Have Your Best Year Yet: Embracing Self-Reflection and Goal Setting
The year is coming to a close and many of us are already looking at what we want for 2024. Join Jess and her temporary co-host, Coach Ali as they set the stage for you to have your best year yet!
In a world where everyone seems to chase the next big thing, we challenge you to pause, look back, and identify moments that brought you joy. We open up about our own methods of reflection, which range from jotting down monthly highlights to answering thought-provoking reflection questions. Together, we'll explore how your past can offer invaluable insights into shaping a future that truly resonates with you. We discuss the role that different people play in our sense of self and how they can affect our trajectory.
Finally, we navigate through the exhilarating territory of goal setting. We discuss setting SMART goals and breaking them down into tangible steps, while emphasizing the importance of being flexible and open to revising these goals. We encourage you to embrace the process, enjoy the pursuit of your goals, and find purpose in them. Along the journey, we talk about identity shift and how it ties into achieving your goals. So, buckle up as we set out on this adventure, and remember, you're not alone. We're here to share in your journey and cheer you on every step of the way.
So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday.
Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.
Stay Sturdy, friends.
Next Episode
17. Runners and Body Image with Amber Harris, Run and Strength Coach
Join Jess and expert run and strength coach Amber, as we unravel the threads of running's influence on our lives. Together, we share intimate tales that span from first races to the profound realization that running is more than a pastime—it's a vital piece of our mental health arsenal. Throughout our conversation, we reflect on how this seemingly simple activity reshapes our sense of self, bolsters our self-esteem, and empowers us to tackle life head-on. Amber's insights as a coach and a mother provide a rich backdrop to our dialogue on how running can be a transformative force, not only for ourselves but also for the younger generation of girls we inspire.
We're not shying away from the tough stuff—body image, societal pressures, and personal growth all take center stage in this episode. Amber and I get real about how our relationship with running has helped us navigate the waves of perimenopause, COVID, and the ever-present beauty standards that can skew our self-perception. But it's not just about the challenges; it's also a celebration of the power that comes from recognizing our bodies' strength and resilience. Whether it’s pounding the pavement or powering through treadmill marathons with "This Is Us" for company, we spotlight the emotional and physical journeys that have led us to appreciate the skin we're in.
Finally, Amber imparts her seasoned wisdom on the art of coaching with compassion and how to cultivate sustainable fitness practices. We tackle the common pitfalls of burnout and overcommitment, advocating for a balanced approach that honors the ebb and flow of motivation. And for those just starting out or looking to rekindle their running passion, we offer guidance on building habits, mental resilience, and finding joy in every stride. So, whether you're a fledgling jogger or a dedicated marathoner, lace up your shoes and join us as we explore the enduring power of running to shape our lives, inside and out.
So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday.
Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.
Stay Sturdy, friends.
Sturdy Girl - 16. How I Stopped Hating My Body + What I Leaned Into Instead [Season 2!]
Transcript
Hello friends and welcome to Sturdy Girl , a podcast focused on strength , not size , where you'll hear conversations around healthy body image , cultivating confidence and being a resilient human in both body and mind . Sturdy Girl is the podcast where we shift the focus away from your appearance and on to living the big , rad life you deserve .
JessIf you like this episode you’ll love
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