I just decided that, beginning today (Saturday, June 15th), I am participating in this media fast for a period of 2 weeks. I love beautyRedefined and their crusade for a healthier spirit and body based on an understanding that our worth stems from our being human, not from looking a certain way. Check out more of their articles, blog posts, and resources at http://www.beautyredefined.net/.
So. For two weeks, no facebook, no instagram, no movies, no TV, no youtube, no viewing or participating in anything that could be a distraction from--or destruction of--my spiritual and mental well-being.
My parents and brother would be able to confirm that this means a whole lot of not doing stuff that I have been doing way too often as of late. (This also means you won't be getting the update on my One Direction concert attendance until a week after it happens, but don't worry--I'll chronicle every moment in a detailed post later so you won't miss out. You're welcome.)
Anyway, I figure since I won't be doing so many of the mostly-pointless things I've been filling my life with lately, I should find a way to be productive with my newly-found spare time. Here are my goals for the next two weeks as relevant to this media fast, but in reality they'll likely become my goals for the rest of my life.
1. Make realistic plans for each day that include at least 30 minutes of scripture reading, an equal amount of time for fun exercise (which may mean quite a bit of this), some enriching leisure time, and at least one act of service.
2. Focus any health or fitness efforts on becoming healthier and stronger, not skinnier or more attractive.
3. Be flexible. I don't mean that I want to be willing to change any of these goals at the drop of a hat. I want to literally become more flexible. I'll stretch every night before bed and when I wake up in the morning. I'd also like to add in a day or two of yoga throughout the week.
4. Tell myself--in the mirror, aloud--that I am of infinite worth, regardless of how my body looks.
5. Quit comparing myself to others. I want to come to a true appreciation for my body so that I will want to keep it healthy. That is, I want any improvements I make in my life to be motivated by love for my body, not by self-loathing.
So there it is. I'm peacing out for now, but feel free to tune back in on the 29th to read about how it went. If you want to join me in this media fast for any period of time, I'd love to hear about your experiences!
See also: How Swimming Changed My Body Image
Why I Am Beautiful
I will support you however I can. I love you.
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There's nothing like having daughters that makes you think twice about your relationship with your body. At least for me. One thing I've had to think about is how my self-deprecating sense of humor sometimes comes across when talking about my body. Sometimes, something I think is funny, and mean in a humorous way, actually comes across as unhappiness with my body. At least to little ears. So I've had to think twice about what I say and how. Elise and I have talked about how often we (along with people in general) spend on our physical appearance versus our spiritual, mental, emotional appearance. It's important to take care of our bodies and treat them well, but sometimes the focus is really out of proportion. Another thought I have sometimes is how our Heavenly Father would feel about the way we think about our bodies. We have this amazing, beautiful, wonderful creation that can do so many things include CREATE LIFE and we sometimes think and feel so many things about it that are ugly and degrading. I want Him to know how grateful I am for this gift He has given me. I'm not perfect at it, by any means. But I'm aware and working on it. :) I want to be a good example to my girls. (And boys, too. :)) Anyway, this is a subject near and dear to my heart and I love your thoughts on it, too. Good luck on your goals. They're great. :)
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