Friday, February 2, 2018

Body Image Issues & a Sad Realization


A dear, kind fellow writer with whom I’ve become acquainted on Facebook recently shared this story about a fashionable sixty-four year old woman who deems herself an accidental icon with a blog by that name. Watching video about her, a striking figure with a model thin body, all I could think was how nice her clothes hung, resenting it the entire time. ~shakes head~ It didn’t help when my friend kindly pointed out how the featured outfits would fit any body type.

Fit? Maybe. But in the furry coat this lady sported I would appear as a squat, pregnant bear while the boxy coats would look like balloons. And that’s when something occurred to me besides the fact I’ll never afford that lass’s taste in designer clothes.

Not only is my propensity to be overweight genetic, so is my attitude, distinctly from my mother’s side of the family. I never met my great grandmother, but my maternal grandmother was very dear to me. At a young age I mentioned to my mother how nice Grandma looked, always wearing dresses.

Mom informed me that Grandma only scorned slacks because she was ashamed of being bowlegged. Meanwhile Mom spent my entire childhood on one weight loss scheme or other. Even at the end of her life she lamented gaining some extra pounds.

And, God rest her soul, my mother was not concerned with physical fitness. Her idea of being active consisted of walking across the house when she still could. I think she almost enjoyed the pampering once wheelchair bound.

That brings me to a blessing, because seeing her physical deterioration caused me to start lifting weights and swimming on a regular basis. Still, I could almost cry every time I look in a mirror, missing my former figure. ~sigh~ At least my body and spirit are strong and relatively pain free (!).

Me,1997
Sorry The Image is Blurry
Guess My Camera Focused on the Frame - Oops
Are you a fashion hound?

And I Do Stay Young at Heart!
Like my boots? I bought them to wear to writing events, forcing a more intrepid persona.

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12 comments:

  1. Those boots are amazing! I'm so impressed about your exercise regime. I'm really lax in that department. I know I should do better, but I never do :-(

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    1. Thanks! I forgot about posting a photo of my footwear upon first finding this and read the word 'boots' with two B's. Ha! I did a double take.

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  2. WOW...those boots are colorful! Love them but not for me. Although I love color I don't wear a lot of bright stuff. I guess that is cause I did not want attention drawn to my body/frame. I always let me personality and humor put folks to me! Great deal on the swimming and weight lifting. I need to do something that will help build me up. My way will be a gentle way....going back to yoga!

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    1. I seem to recall you having some pretty colorful socks. ~grin~ Are those just for wearing at home? Also, the design embellishments you put on plain clothing are amazing. Best wishes on doing yoga. I hope that helps you mentally and physically. ~hugs~ Be well!

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  3. I like the new boots. And that is a beautiful photo of you, I am sure you haven't changed that much. I think it great that you swim and work out, I wish I had some motivation.

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    1. You're very kind. Sad to say, I've changed a lot physically. Maybe we can motivate one another?

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  4. My SIL's grandmother finally lost those pounds she wanted to lose her entire life... when she got Alzheimer's and stopped eating. And was too far gone to appreciate it.

    It's more important to be healthy. Keep working out, but do it for health.

    Be happy as you are. I'm sure you look wonderful. I've been working on my own attitudes towards my body, and I stumbled upon Jes Baker. Take a look. See what you think. http://www.themilitantbaker.com/

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  5. I'm too fat. You look great in 97. I should exercise more. Feeling guilty.

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    1. You work so hard saving lives I don't see you having time or energy for mundane exercise. ~hugs~ Thank you for the kind words. Take care!

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