In our early years family shaped our viewpoints and opinions. They were our original influencers.
Now social media has taken on that role.
We are bombarded with messages about bodies and lifestyles. But does this help us on our journey of Wellness?
Or does it keep us in diet world, where we can never be thin enough?
Early on in my journey I stopped looking at the diet shows and the influencers who promoted lifestyles I did not value and focused only on body images.
I follow people who make a difference by living an examined life, a life of reflection, a life of kindness and gentleness. I want role models who engage me through their passion and desire to make the world a better place. And that does not always have to be in the ‘I vision world peace’ way, but simply by creating something with their unique perspective. From a woman like Iris Apfel, who makes me smile with her extraordinary gift for style (unique, uninhibited and fun) and her love of life, to the poet Amanda Gorman, who shapes the world through her words.
They inspire me to live a fuller and more creative life. They also keep me on my path of self compassion, essential for a Dieter in Recovery.
But the stories that lock women in to thin obsessed bodies. The stories that follow a path of fat shaming and narrow the world of wellness. The images of the role of women as appendages, trophies and body parts. Not reading that!
By reading, watching or ‘following’ I am voting to keep the diet industry and all the other ways we give up our power, in place.
“We remain enshrined in hourglass, whisper thin ideals perpetuated not only by the media, but by our own acquiescence”
Sarah Hays Coomer, author of Physical Disobedience
The stronger you are in your decisions about your life the less vulnerable you are to external forces. Make an examined choice about the people you ‘follow’. Do they elevate the values you have, or want in your life? Be clear before you open that door.
I can’t be kind to myself if I am watching TV that bashes people. If I want to walk a path of compassion for myself I have to walk it with others.
Make a list of the values you seek in an influencer. Would you have them as a friend? Would you feel safe with them? Do you judge yourself and your lifestyle after viewing them?
We always have a choice, it is a click away.
“There is always light if we are brave enough to see it, if only we are brave enough to be it” Amanda Gorman
Thanks for reading,
Christina