I think as the story goes, girls want to grow up and marry a charming prince, but boys just want to become a hero.
Little Sally, at four years old enjoys role playing with barbies — it’s the complexity of human social relationships that fascinates her budding mind. She tries to make the barbie look pretty, because she already knows that looks attract.
Owner is only four years old, and already preparing for matrimony.
Next door to her, Jimmy…a five year old boy with propensity to ram toy fire trucks into LEGO’s — demonstrates influence over his environment.
These two young ones will grow into personalities with unique desires and expectations. Despite different strengths and weaknesses, eventually they will all reveal vulnerabilities about their body image.
Why do we have so many preconceptions about how others perceive our physiques?
Truth is that…some people have extra chins, others have veins, cellulite, a little hair — you name it. Some people are just incredibly insecure about their CALVES even…!
Factors influencing beliefs about your body:
- What you think OTHER PEOPLE feel about your body.
- What other people ACTUALLY FEEL about your body.
- Shouldn’t it only matter how YOU FEEL about your body?
I realize that a lot of us aren’t perfect in every way. Welcome to life.
But there’s NO point feeling bad about it!
Especially when a sliver of happiness is an inch away.
Seek life at the head, and take a step forward.
Actually, take lots of steps! (See Getting FIT with Walking) 🙂
My point is that you can implement one healthy habit at a time, and you’ll start feeling better already as you come closer to your body’s full potential.
With results, comes satisfaction.
I think all efforts are boosted by some self-understanding. Pause for a moment, and then ask yourself…what do you really value and what are you going to do to achieve those values?
As a young male, I am consistently exposed to images of masculine avatars. During my adolescence, it was Arnold, Stalone, Baywatch. Now it’s sports stars, pop culture icons, and anything that sells.
But then I realized that we’re not all that different at all. Even though toned beach bodies will remain in syndication for years, you can be sure that each actor has had some certain body insecurity.
It makes NO sense for a top level beach body actor to worry about their body. Just as it makes no sense to WORRY about yourself either. It’s quite human to have vulnerabilities, so why not instead emphasize that which you’re most proud of.
Hasselhoff to crew: "Focus on my manly chest, but please don't show my puny calves."
The TRUTH is that we learn more from success than we do failure. The more success you have, the easier it will be to maintain a healthy weight.
Get off your butt.
Focus on the goal.
And, take it one step at a time.
Physical fitness supports all aspects of social and personal life. Whether you want to be a sports hero, or meet your prince charming, I’m with you for the journey.
But right now, I must visit my local gym, Bally’s Total Fitness, to train my body closer to its full potential.
Until the next time, my friend…