Women/Media Influence - Inner Health & "Beauty"
"Often, when
we think about health, we fall into conversations around weight and physical
appearance (just browse the covers of so called "health"
magazines). By focusing so heavily on our looks - especially in a media climate
that celebrates such dangerous ideals of beauty - we risk neglecting our own
true inner health and safety.
One of the first steps to addressing this is actually looking at the language
we use to describe "being healthy." Not just in our heads, but when
talking with others. Something as innocent as a compliment - "you look
skinny" or "you look great" - can contribute to this obsession
with weight and looks.
This week's action is simple: try avoiding complimenting anyone on their physical appearance for an entire week, including yourself. No conversations about losing weight or being pretty. Instead, tell the loved ones in your life how smart they are, how you admire their confidence or even just how happy they seem! Celebrate the talents and abilities of those around you without mentioning appearance. By shifting the way we talk about this subject we can begin to shift the entire mindset around what it means to be healthy. This is the year we stop judging ourselves and others by what is in the mirror, and instead see in everyone the same potential for greatness. This is the year we get healthy."
Now, I am one that likes a compliment on how good I am looking or fit or healthy BUT this is definitely something that made me think! I still want to compliment people on how well they are looking but to spend more time on telling them about their other amazing qualities - this will really help girls & women understand that it is not just looks that empower them!
I am not sure I will make it a week but I am going to try to do this as much as possible not only for a week but as part of my everyday life! Yesterday, while walking with a friend, I told her how I always admire how intelligent she is & her ability to multi-task & still do things so well.
How about you? Do you think you could do this & will you join in this challenge to let girls & women know that you love all their other amazing qualities too?
I also saw this article on Carla's FB page & wanted to share again (I had it on my FB page too) - a great read & oh so true - fits right in with this post! It is about don't just think it - say it - PLS READ!
Still have the Sleepwear Giveaway thru tonight with 2 winners announced tomorrow!!
AND, don't forget about my YMX by Yellowman Tri-Jersey GIVEAWAY!
Categories: Motivation/Support, Media Influence, Awareness, Giveaway, Inspirational Quotes, Inspiration, Women Issues, Acceptance
Tags: OWN Miss Representation Women Issues media media influence inner health awareness inspiration motivation giveaway strength capable determination Believing believe in yourself inspirational quotes acceptance accomplishments
I love this wow could you imagine how much easier our lives would be instead of focusing on the outward appearance so much?
I for sure will remember this and try to put into practice.
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Sheri - I am trying too - makes one think!
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Jody - I love how you use your platform to encourage others in their lives. I will read more about this later! Thanks.
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Thank you Diane!
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It is interesting that we actually don't even have the language to tell somebody that he/she looks healthy. I guess 'you look' good implies that but somehow that meaning gets lost in our desire to improve out outward appearance.
Strangely enough, telling somebody 'you are so smart' often is not a compliment.
Communication can be very complicated.
Love this post. Thank Jody.
Now off I go to work on my outward appearance, oops, sorry, on being healthy.
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Ewa - yes, communication is complicated but we got to keep trying & make sure our girls know they are worth it for more than a body!
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Thanks, Jody, for reminding me of this issue and keeping it at the forefront.
I'm sharing this far and wide!
And, just so you know, I'd really like that top I commented about yesterday. lol!!
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Thx Bethe! I love the top you picked as your fav too!
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Jody, I really admire your attitude and always come away from your blog with some good food for thought! Thanks for your positivity and for bring up this topic. Love the little poster you posted! Gotta steal it for Pinterest
That's a good challenge for the week! Will try!
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Julie - thank you so much. This really made me think! I think a challenge for us all cause we are so used to saying you look like you lost weight or how thin you look & stuff like that...
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I try and live this way -- always. Maybe because I make my living in physical culture. What we look like is such a tiny tiny part of who we are. This aspect of western -- of American culture sickens me quite honestly. I have written, espoused, and commented here before,
"In the end we won't be judged by the shape of our abs or whether or not we do sinister justice to our jeans..."
But who is listening...?
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Roy - yes to your quote - YES!!!!
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I could write a column on this as I have many thoughts on this matter, ranging from how sad that we have come to this state to the entrenched genetics of the physical and everything in between.
I always can find something nice to say to anyone. I do usually stay away from stereotypical responses, and stay politically correct in the workplace
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Dr. J - yes, sad.... Ah, politically correct!
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This is an important message. It's something parents really need to focus on because their children can be influenced by both the media and their peers to look a certain way.
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Karen - thx & so true!
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I'll have to check out this documentary. Change starts with us, and constant focus on our appearance doesn't set a very good example. I'm working on losing the obsession with the 'squish-belly' and obsessing about the brightness of my smile instead. Some days are better than others.
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That is such a great idea to avoid complimenting people on their personal appearance for a week - not sure I could do it honestly!!! But I will try...
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