Comments (25)

By Katie, October 31, 2010 5:58 am

I have the utmost respect for couples who, for whatever reason, have to spend significant chunks of time apart. I just couldn’t bear it; Dave was in California for work for the past seven days and it was pure torture!

At least the absence made our hearts grow fonder. I think the only other time I was this excited to kiss him was on our wedding day!

(FYI: I’m absolutely loving my new red trench coat. It’s such a fun POP of color!)

Even though he was on the West Coast to attend a work conference, he still had plenty of free time to explore. Forgive me, as I shall now share with you an onslaught of photos he took on his adventures. He sent me a few of these each day, just to make sure I was super jealous of him. It worked!

(For those of you familiar with CA, you’ll see that he was in both San Francisco and Monterey.)

The next one’s for the literary and history buffs! That antique car drove up at just the right moment, so Dave could get the perfect shot to transport us back to the 1950s.

He took in some breathtaking views.

Wish you were here!

He also saw lots of interesting creatures, both underwater…

…and above!

The text accompanying the photo below read: Being away from you makes me crabby.

I’m very glad Dave got to see the Pacific, but next time I am soooo going with him!!!

Ever been to California? Or anywhere else along the West Coast? Favorite place there?

AND

Have you ever had to be away from your significant other for a big chunk of time?

Comments (28)

By Katie, October 29, 2010 5:56 am

As humans – and particularly as women – we are often taught that taking care of ourselves is, well, selfish! We are told that we should be martyrs, denying and sacrificing ourselves over and over again in order to take care of others.

We are told this self-sacrifice should pervade every realm of our lives, from how we spend our time to our we spend our money to how we act in the bedroom. Case in point:

 (Source)

That’s pretty telling, no?

(There are so many ideas this image brings up, one of which is the magazine’s assumption that all of its readers are heterosexual females. But that’s a topic for another day!)

At some point the “give-give-give but never take” mentality slipped into my subconscious very deeply. Countless times I’ve gotten stuck in relationships or friendships in which I was giving but rarely receiving. I was saying “yes” when I felt “no” because I wanted to please the other person, and I was running myself into the ground because taking care of myself would, I thought, make me a self-centered egoist.

Until I realized that’s a big fat lie.

When I finally decided to start taking care of myself – even if it meant occasionally putting my needs before the wants of others –  I came to understand the irony of self-care. Taking care of myself didn’t mean that I had nothing left for others, as I had previously assumed. Rather, taking care of myself meant that I had more to share with others. Attention to myself every now and then actually makes me a better wife, daughter, friend, etc.

I do believe in the Christian value of putting others before self. But I think when we do that to the point of hurting ourselves, we have missed the point; what we have to give becomes compromised. Instead, when we value ourselves in ways both large and small, we are then able to give our best selves to others.

What do you think? Are we made to believe that taking care of ourselves is somehow wrong or self-centered?

Do you agree that self-care actually makes us BETTER for others?

Comments (27)

By Katie, October 28, 2010 5:57 am

Though many believe otherwise, I believe that rigidity is the enemy of an effective exercise routine.

But I don’t always practice what I preach.

Since I started working full-time, I’ve tried to maintain a workout routine that consisted of early morning exercise. I figured this would work well for me because I’ve always been a morning person, and I love the idea of jump-starting my day with some physical activity.

Except that it hasn’t been happening.

I’ve been sleeping in an extra hour. Or cuddling with my husband. Or reading my Bible. Or cooking a relaxed, leisurely breakfast.

These are all wonderful things, but the fact is that skipping my exercise, coupled with sitting at a desk all day for work, is leaving me sluggish and – I’ll admit it! – grouchy.

(Source)

So a few weeks ago I vowed to get back into my morning exercise routine…and proceeded to beat myself up every morning it still didn’t happen. But despite knowing better, I maintained an attitude of rigidity and stubbornness. I AM a morning exerciser, I thought, and I WILL find a way to make it happen.

And then I had a lightbulb moment. If the current routine isn’t working (obviously), then why not just, you know, change it? Yes, I used to be a morning exerciser, but does that mean I have to stay that way forever and always???

It’s a simple life lesson, but one I tend to forget: Just because something worked well for me in the past doesn’t mean it will continue to work well forever. Life changes – heck, I change – and my routine needs to change with me. A little flexibility goes a long way.

So I’m letting myself consider the idea of exercising after work instead of before. I started by making a pros and cons list for post-work exercise.

PROS
More leisurely morning routine
Don’t have to worry about packing my work clothes, hair dryer, etc. to get ready at the gym
Start the day with other self-care activities, like prayer and meditation
Can eat breakfast at home instead of at work
Might actually happen!

CONS
Get home later, less time for cooking
More reasons/excuses to skip it could come up during the day
Have to shower twice in one day (why do I think that’s such a big deal???)
Interferes with some evening plans
It’s not what I’m used to 

I’ve decided to give post-work exercise a shot for 2-3 weeks and just see how it goes. A trial period of sorts. That again goes back to the rigidity thing; sometimes I forget that just because I want to try something new doesn’t mean I have to commit to it for eternity. I’m allowed to just give it a try.

While this particular exercise example may not seem like a big deal, I think it’s illustrative of a “strictness” I’ve battled my whole life. I’ve always liked having a routine or a plan – for everything from food and exercise to trips and vacations to, dare I say it, life - and while there are some advantages to that mindset, it can also drive me crazy.

This exercise dilemma has reminded me, once again, that routines are only worthwhile to the extent that they actually fit into our lives. Plans are only as good as our willingness to change them when necessary. And just because one approach worked well in the past doesn’t mean I should hold onto it with an iron grip for the rest of eternity.

Is there some aspect of your life/routine that needs to change, but you’re resistant to doing so because you’ve always done it another way?

AND

Are you a morning, evening, or mid-day exerciser? Have you always been that way, or has it changed?

Comments (17)

By Katie, October 27, 2010 5:32 am

My original title for this post was: “Why I Am NOT Eating Intuitively Right Now.”

I’m a pretty healthy gal, but for the past two weeks I’ve been suffering from a minor but extremely uncomfortable medical condition that has left me drained and frustrated. The only way to combat this particular condition is through the use of very strong antibiotics, which unfortunately make me feel nauseous 24/7.

For the record, I’m 100% certain said nausea is coming from these…

(Source)

Not this. (But I keep joking that it’s practice for the future!)

(Source)

My doctor says the only way to diminish the nausea is by changing my eating habits. I basically need to eat very tiny meals every two hours, because the minute my stomach empties the sickness returns.

In other words, for this particular two-week span, I have not been listening to my body’s hunger cues.

That’s where the original post title came from. But as I thought about it more, I realized that I am indeed honoring my body’s cues, just not its hunger cues. My body is clearly telling me I need to eat a little something – just through a wave of nausea rather than through a rumbling in my tummy.

This whole situation has made me realize that honoring my body means listening to all of its physical cues, not just those related to hunger. It means being in touch with all of my internal messages, not just those coming directly from my stomach.

So have I been eating intuitively over these past few weeks, even though I’ve had to schedule my eating outside of my hunger/fullness cues? I think so, because in the process I have been listening to the voice of my body – and all of its cues – more closely than ever.

Is your eating ever affected by physical cues other than hunger/fullness? Do you think that honoring those other cues is a part of eating intuitively?

Comments (36)

By Katie, October 26, 2010 5:51 am

I know that just a few months ago I said I was no good at baking, but that certainly hasn’t stopped me from trying! I’ve actually been donning my apron quite a bit lately (which is a must when I bake because I make a total MESS ).

Last week I decided to really stretch myself…and make a cake. For the first time ever!

And let me tell you, this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Icing was pretty rockin’.

After one bite I promised never to doubt my baking skills again! Watch out, world, I’ve got an oven and a wooden spoon and I know how to use ‘em!

Of course, it helped that the recipe came from the infallible Mama Pea; I knew if the cake didn’t turn out right that the problem was with me and not the recipe. But my pumpkin cake came out perfectly…super moist and flavorful!

Icing the cake was easy because I… 1) let the cake cool completely first, and 2) popped the icing in the fridge for a half hour or so before frosting. It wasn’t the prettiest (making things look pretty was never my forte), but it was certainly delicious!

Mama Pea called these bars instead of a cake, but I don’t really know what the difference is except for how big of slices you cut. Maybe bars are more dense? Regardless, I’m calling it a cake!

Yoda Hamilton pulled up a seat at the table and politely requested demanded a piece.

Hungry kitty, I am.

Of course, how can I blame him when this was staring him in the face…

I’m not certain, but it’s possible Dave let him try a bite while they were having their nightly cuddle-session.

If you look up “cute” in the dictionary, this is what you’ll see.

And if you look up “delicious,” this is what you’ll see.

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
Slightly adapted from Peas and Thank You

Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Cake
1.5 cup pumpkin puree (canned is fine)
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 tsp vanilla
1.25 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp garam masala (optional, but worth it)

Cream Cheese Icing
3 tbsp butter or margarine
1/2 cup cream cheese
2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350º.  Spray an 8 x 8 baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Mix pumpkin, oil, milk, sugars and vanilla with an electric mixer.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all spices.

4. Add dry ingredients to wet, and mix until just combined.

5. Spread batter into the prepared baking dish.

6. Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until set.

7. While cake is baking, prepare frosting by beating together butter/margarine, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla. Chill in refrigerator until ready to use.

8. When the pumpkin cake has completely cooled, frost.

Have you ever baked a cake? If so, have any suggestions for what I should try next?

AND

What’s your favorite kind of pumpkin dessert?

Comments (14)

By Katie, October 25, 2010 5:54 am

Funny story. Dave ran into a gas station to pick something up while I waited in the car. When he got back he had a look of horror on his face, and proceeded to tell me that inside some children were holding a bake sale called “Brownies for Breast Cancer.”

So I didn’t buy any, he said. Because I don’t want breast cancer.

He was, of course, making a joke about the fact that the title implied the bake sale was for breast cancer, period, instead of for breast cancer awareness or perhaps breast cancer research. But I wasn’t laughing because a brownie actually sounded kind of yummy right at that moment.

Funny introduction aside, I’m sure you’re already aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Perhaps you also know that it’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month as well.

While of course I think  it’s important to address these issues, I’ll admit that sometimes I get tired of the whole awareness-month thing. Maybe it’s because there seem to be so many monthly tributes that they lose their effectiveness. Maybe it’s because so many companies use it as a marketing strategy to make even greater profits for themselves.

Apparently I’m jaded.

But when I made a comment to an acquaintance along the lines of the above, she encouraged me to, basically, shut up and get involved. Of course it won’t have meaning, she said, if you’re not actively contributing.

Touché.

And so this blog post was born, as my small contribution to the goal of raising awareness about these important issues. I’ve decided to focus on domestic violence awareness because that issue hits a bit closer to home for me. Some facts (taken from the Domestic Violence Resource Center).

• 1 in 4 women (25%) has experienced some kind of domestic violence in her lifetime.
• Almost 3 of out 4 (74%) Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence.
• About 50% of female victims report having an injury of some type, but only 20% of them seek medical assistance.
• About 1 in 5 high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.
• 40% of girls age 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.

So yes, this is a serious issue.

I’d also like to add that domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of factors such as race, income level, age, sexuality, or gender. Yes, that means men can be victims too.

Also, it’s worth noting that while we generally associate domestic violence with physical or sexual abuse, emotional and verbal abuse is also a part of it. Some signs of emotional/verbal abuse include: name-calling, bossing you around, manipulating you, purposefully embarrassing or humiliating you, trying to isolate you from family and friends, and expecting you to ask permission.

(Source)

If you’re worried that you or someone you know is stuck in an abusive relationship, please don’t hesitate to act. Both victims and friends/family of victims can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the Domestic Violence Resource Center’s hotline at 1-866-469-8600.

I’m also copying and pasting the Resource Center’s suggestions for what to do if you think your friend or family member may be suffering:

• Let your friend know you believe them.
• Listen to what your friend is saying. Interrupting and saying things like, “I would never put up with that!” is unhelpful and may actually do harm.
• Tell your friend they don’t deserve to be hurt and that they are not to blame. No one deserves to be mistreated and there is no excuse for abuse.
• Point out the unfairness of how your friend is being treated and what your fears for them are.
• Allow your friend to feel the way they do.
• Find out what your friend wants to do about their relationship and support them no matter what they decide.
• Let your friend know abuse usually gets worse over time.
• Tell your friend you’ll be there if they ever need you.
• Expect your friend to be confused, about their feelings and about what to do. Expect them to change their mind, maybe even a few times.
• Watch your body language and respect your friend’s right to personal space. If your friend has been hurt, they may not want to be hugged.
• Help your friend become informed. Tell them help is available. Domestic Violence Resource Center staff are available at all times. Call or have your friend call our 24-Hour Crisis Line at 503.469.8620 or toll free 1.866.469.8600.
• Remember your friend may feel guilty after sharing the story of their abuse for ‘telling’ on their partner.

So maybe I’m jaded about all of the ribbons and the bake sales and the football players in pink cleats. But that doesn’t change the fact that awareness about both breast cancer and domestic violence is extremely important, and any contributing effort should be welcomed and respected. If someone who is suffering happens to be reading this post, I pray that person does not choose silence, but instead reaches out for the help he/she needs and deserves.

What do you think of all the “awareness” months? Do you think they’re a worthwhile effort?

AND

Did any of the statistics about domestic violence surprise you? That first one always knocks me down. 1 in 4 women???

Comments (6)

By Katie, October 24, 2010 5:33 am

Considering how much I enjoy writing, you would think that journaling would come easy to me. It is definitely one of my most effective tools for exploring my thoughts and emotions, but for whatever reason I have a tendency to resist doing it. Perhaps because it’s so effective? Because it brings so much to the surface that I sometimes wish would just stay hidden?

In any case, I try really hard to make journaling a habit. I have spiral notebooks of various sizes planted in strategic locations – next to my bed, in my purse, at my office, etc. – so that taking 10 minutes to jot down my thoughts, emotions, and ideas seems less like an inconvenience. 

For me, journaling only works when I’m writing by hand. Because both my job and my main hobby require writing on a computer, my brain seems to open up better when I’m using a pen and paper. And writing by hand allows me to scribble furiously all over the page, ignoring the nicely organized lines. It’s quite therapeautic for a perfectionist like me.

(Source)

But in this day and age, I know many people find writing by hand to be too arduous. Or maybe they get frustrated because they can type so much faster than they can write. Whatever the reason, here are four ways to take up the practice of journaling while sitting in front of the computer.

Four Ways to Journal Through the Internet

1. Start a blog.

 No doubt writing a blog can be extremely therapeutic. And while I prefer to journal privately first and then organize my ideas for the blog, I know some people feel perfectly comfortable sharing their stream-of-consciousness writing with the world. They enjoy the give-and-take, write-and-respond element that a blog adds to the journaling process.

2. 750 Words

The website 750words.com provides motivation and encouragement to type up at least 750 words per day. It doesn’t matter what those words are about – your dull trip to the grocery store or your emotional trip down memory lane – just so long as you get something onto the screen. You even receive electronic badges for accomplishments like writing every day for 10 days or writing an entry without taking any breaks. It’s the little things.

3. Oh Life

For those who simply forget to write in their journal, there’s the website OhLife, which markets itself as the easiest way to write your life story. When you sign up, every evening you automatically receive an email asking you how your day went. Your response is then instantly saved on the site.

4. Memiary

The website Memiary – a combination of memory and diary – calls itself a “weightless pocket diary.” It provides space for you to record up to five memories per day. It can be anything from a fun party you attended to a revelation you had about the course of your life.

Journaling is a wonderful practice because it gets your thoughts and emotions outside of your head. Whether your words end up in a notebook or on a screen, they are often easier to manage when not confined to the barriers of your brain. So what are you waiting for? Get writing!

Do you keep a journal? Why or why not?

AND

Do you like the idea of journaling online? Or do you prefer the old-fashioned pen-and-paper approach?

Comments (20)

By Katie, October 22, 2010 5:05 am

So I need to get something off my chest.

Yesterday I discussed my first reaction to the Christian women’s conference I attended. I talked about how inspired I was by the speaker’s message of spiritual hunger, and how I’m beginning to question how much my life truly reflects what I want it to.

But here’s the thing. Metaphors aside, the speaker – Tracey Tiernan – was talking about food. My issue. My struggle. The number one topic of conversation on my blog. So it’s not surprising that, given my level of involvement in this realm, I felt her discussion was lacking some important points.

In a nutshell, I wish Tracey had read my post on defining disordered eating before she took to the stage.

Because that was essentially what she was talking about. She was talking about how often we turn to food when we could be turning to God – for comfort, for support, for joy, etc.  She said something along the lines of, “we take food, which is a blessing from God, and turn it into a god itself.”

I take no issue with that statement. What I take issue with is the fact that, in discussing how food can obstruct our relationship with God, she only examined overeating. But as my definition of disordered eating shows, the pendulum swings both ways. Just as some people turn food into a god, other people turn the pursuit of weight loss into a god.

The way Tracey’s talk was structured, it made it seem like as long as you have self-control around food, you are doing well. She failed to take into account that sometimes obsessive self-control is the problem, that sometimes a person’s fixation on weight is the barrier to peace, to God. Never letting an extra cookie pass by your lips is not, in my opinion, a spiritual accomplishment. Just like food can be an obsession that hinders your relationship with God, so can be the pursuit of thinness.

I spent some time questioning why this bothered me so much. Why was I so upset that she focused on overeating yet neglected to mention the perils of dieting?

Because it was a stark reminder for me that while this realm – the realm of healthy living blogs and intuitive eating – generally seems to understand that DIET is a four-letter word, the rest of our society still clings to things like cleanses and fasts and weight-loss foods that taste like cardboard.

To me, the whole thing is indicative of the way dieting has become normalized in our society. Perpetual dieting and obsession with weight isn’t thought to be a problem because it’s assumed that’s what every woman does or how every woman is. Indeed, when I first told some of my friends that I was giving up dieting forever – that I was done trying to alter my weight and instead accepting my body as is - I got some pretty surprised looks in response.

I wish the talk had focused more on turning to God to heal our troubled relationships with food and our bodies, rather than turning to God to solve our “weight problems.”  I wish the conversation had emphasized our problematic behaviors - which run the gamut from bingeing on cookies to crying over a missed day at the gym – rather than emphasizing the external manifestations of those behaviors.

I wish there was more recognition of the fact that one’s weight – be it high or low or whatever – is never the real issue. The real issue is the way we use food – by eating too much or too little or being obsessed with getting just the right amount – as a substitute for God.

I know this for certain: the answer to our struggles with food is not simply to resist the cupcake. There needs to be a better understanding in our society that there are problems with both extremes, that refusing to taste one extra crumb can be just as harmful as eating the whole batch. Both kinds of struggles stem from the same place – a place of insecurity, a place of discomfort, a place of fear. That is where God can help. And then the weight will just take care of itself.

Do you agree that dieting, the pursuit of thinness, and poor body image have become normalized in our society?

Do you feel like it’s assumed that all women are unhappy with their bodies, want to lose weight, or maybe SHOULD want to lose weight?

Comments (10)

By Katie, October 21, 2010 5:53 am

On Saturday I had the absolute pleasure of attending the annual women’s conference at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. I had been looking forward to it for weeks, and it was a wonderful day of inspiration and self-discovery.

The theme of the conference was “Eat, Pray, Love – Your Journey with Jesus” (loosely inspired by the Elizabeth Gilbert book). Considering my history of food struggles, I was particularly excited for the first third of the day.

The speaker was a woman named Tracey Tiernan, a Christian radio personality and local celebrity of sorts. She is an incredibly engaging woman; it doesn’t matter if she’s speaking to an audience of 10 or 10,000, it feels like she’s talking directly to you. 

 (Source)

During the “Eat” talk, Tracey encouraged all of us to ask ourselves the question, What am I REALLY hungry for? Obviously I am no stranger to that question; I’ve written before about how asking myself what I really need is one of my most effective strategies for fending off the urge to overeat emotionally. But in those cases I tend to focus on the immediate – my answers are usually things like a hug, a few minutes of prayer or meditation, or maybe just a nap.

But Tracey encouraged me to think bigger, to ask myself what I really need on a grander scale. In the big scheme of my life, what am I really hungry for? What I am hungry for spiritually?

I came up with a couple of answers. I’m hungry to know God more, to feel more in tune with God’s spirit and will. I’m hungry to use my talents and abilities for good in this world. I’m hungry to use my own struggles as a channel of compassion for others. I’m hungry to live a life that more fully embodies the concepts of peace and balance.

Am I feeding myself what I need to satisfy those hungers?

I felt compelled to ask myself some rather tough questions, and I encourage you to consider posing similar ones to yourself.

• Why am I spending more money on a gym membership than I am giving away to help the poor and needy of this world?
• Why am I spending more time on a treadmill listening to pop music than I am reading the scriptures of my faith?
• Which causes me more distress, the idea of gaining 10 pounds or the fact that millions of children are going hungry today?
• What would happen if I took some of the time and effort I spend working on my own “stuff” and instead dedicated it to helping others with theirs?

I promise I wasn’t trying to give myself a guilt trip! But I truly believe that you can learn a lot about someone’s true values by looking at two things: how they spend their money and how they spend their time. And when I give my life a good, hard look in the mirror, neither my time nor my money is going in the right direction. It’s going to satisfy my immediate wants rather than my true spiritual needs.

I’m not saying I think it’s bad that I pay for a gym membership or listen to Britney Spears on my iPod (although many might disagree with that last one! ). But I spend $30 a month on a gym membership, $30 a month on clothes, $30 a month on dinners out…shouldn’t I be spending more than that on helping the poor? I spend 40-60 minutes a day exercising my body, and countless hours pursuing my career and my hobbies…shouldn’t I be spending more time with the God I believe in, exercising my spirit?

So I’ve come to this conclusion: it’s not enough just to ask myself what I really need when the urge to overeat hits. No, I need to be asking myself what I’m truly hungry for – on a spiritual level – each and every day. And I need to be spending more time, money, and energy on feeding myself that kind of food. Because that is how I am going to find the fulfillment I need while also being a blessing to those around me.

What are you truly hungry for, on a grand-scheme-of-things level?

AND

No worries if you’re not comfortable sharing specifics, but were you struck by any of the questions I asked myself above? Did any of them compel you to look at your own life in the mirror?

*There were also some points of Tracey’s talk that I strongly disagreed with, particularly in regards to disordered eating. I will be sharing my thoughts on that tomorrow, and I’d love to hear your opinions too!

Comments (26)

By Katie, October 20, 2010 5:55 am

This week is just chock full of inspiration! On Monday we observed the start of Fat Talk Free Week, and today the celebration continues with Love Your Body Day.

 (Source)

The goal of Love Your Body Day, which is a campaign spearheaded by the National Organization for Women, is to help all of us better appreciate what we see when we look in the mirror. I think we can all agree that we spend way too much time criticizing our reflections and not nearly enough time celebrating them.

Let the party begin.

8 Ways to Celebrate Love Your Body Day

1. Make a Love List.

Think about what you truly love about your body, and then actually write it down! Afterwards you can put the list in your wallet or tape it to your mirror – somewhere you’ll see it multiple times a day. Then it will already be there whenever you need that little extra dose of encouragement. 

2. Spoil Your Body.

Take a long, hot bath. Go get a manicure (or give yourself one). Go for a walk. Take a nap. Whatever will make your body feel especially good today.

3. Dance!

Enough said.

4. Eat Something Wonderful.

What’s the one food that’s been on your mind lately? It could be anything from roasted butternut squash to a freshly-baked pumpkin cupcake. Today, make the time to cook that food or buy it from the best place possible. Then eat it slowly and mindfully, savoring every bite. Remember, your taste buds are a part of your body.

5. Laugh!

Nothing beats a good gut-busting laugh, the kind that makes your sides hurt!

6. Celebrate Your Body with the One You Love.

Kiss. Hold hands. Have sex. Find a way to share your body with that special someone in a way that makes you both feel comfortable and loved. It’s a surefire way to remember how totally awesome your body is!

7. Spread the Love.

Wanna feel beautiful? Tell someone else why you think she’s beautiful, and I guarantee your own self-esteem will rise right along with hers! And spread the word about Love Your Body Day, so even more people can experience its positive impact.

8. Get Inspired.

Check out the Love Your Body Day poster contest winners. Read some encouraging blog posts. Or listen to an inspiring song, like “More Beautiful You” by Jonny Diaz.

The chorus:

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don’t buy the lies, disguises, and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

LOVE IT!

How will YOU be celebrating Love Your Body Day?

How can you practice loving your body EVERY day?