DIY: LOVE YOUR SCALE


For the longest time, I didn't understand what all the "No Diet Talk" stuff was about. Even in my body embracing, self loving, open minded state I was unsure why you wouldn't want to diet... y'know. For health reasons and shit. Guh. Even my own ignorance kills me. To rectify this sitcheyayshon, I've been a readin' and I've come to discover that the concept isn't what I thought at all. I know I'll be doing a lengthy post in the future about this, but I'll sum it up for you the best I can right now:  you don't want to fight your body into submission with the mentality that it needs to lose weight. You want to embrace your body and work with it to maintain a healthy state of being. It's all about the intention behind the actions. Healthy at every size.

The ironic part about this, is that studies show that this body truce is the only effective way to keep weight off permanently. But you can't have that focus, or it won't be as effective. Kinda tricky huh? It's like the whole "you'll find the love of your life when you stop looking" concept. Tricky tricky tricky. And hard. Really hard.

But, it's proven. So if I'm actually committed to feeling better and being healthier... well, I've got to knock off the dieting. It's kind of cruel how all of the really good things in life are also really difficult. Sigh.


With that in mind, I no longer need my scale to tell me how much weight I've lost or gained. The number "represents" my worth as a person, and I don't believe that I should feel better or worse about myself when it fluxuates. I should feel only better about myself as I feel better and breathe better and wake up more energized. Those are the important mile markers for me. I would love to talk more about the health ramifications and why numbers aren't helpful and how this concept is not about a fat person giving up, but rather just the opposite... soon. Soon. Until then, can I repeat? Health at every size.

SO, what to do with that bothersome scale I purchased and glared at from a distance for two years? Why,  turn it into a positive experience of course! This DIY isn't so much about the project but more about the concept. It's a fairly simple premise: find images that make you happy. Glue them on top of the irrelevant numbers so that when you step on to your (new) scale you are greeted by things that make you smile. Hows THAT for a change of pace? And isn't that what we all deserve? 

Oh hey rainbows and roses and kitties and unicorns! How are you today?


So I challenge you to try this. This activity isn't a white flag, like some may think. It is a commitment to yourself that you will love you unconditionally and spend (lots and lots and lots of) precious time and energy allowing yourself to become healthy, balanced, and well. Which, you already might be... again, we are all different. If anything know this: a healthy state of mind is the key to a healthy way to live.

If you are interested in a thorough discourse on this subject, I would highly recommend this book. It is truth that applies to all body sizes. If you have any questions about this subject, I would love to try and field them to the best of my ability. Go ahead and leave them below.

What spectacular images would you put on YOUR scale?

22 comments

  1. This is something I'm working on right now and it's not easy. I quit Weight Watchers just a week or so ago and I'm trying to focus on being active as opposed to monitoring everything I put in my mouth and feeling good or bad about it and what I weigh, and it's a little scary, which is sad. I'm a little nervous that the weight I lost is going to creep back on, but ahhh...maybe this is my version of the human condition. Good luck, I'm happy for you! And I love the scale.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. zomg it IS so hard and scary. And not sad... it is a reality that we all deal with. I think a lot of people might think that I am 100% awesome at telling the world to fuck off because I love me, but that isn't true. I have days where I curl up in bed and hide from myself because my brain thinks that I am worthless and gigantic and a shameful sight. I think the damage that is done by society in regards to body image and self esteem is irreversible at best, but I'll be damned if I stop trying to beat it. I personally think that it's more about having more good days than bad. That defines success for me:)

      P.s. you are fucking gorgeous and i looooove your blog. So glad you took the time to comment. You should advertise on my blog for free this month:)

      Delete
  2. This is SO creative and cool! Love the message behind this post.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fantastic idea. A few months ago I decided I didn't want to be a slave to numbers, including the scale. I took my glass, digital scale outside and smashed it against the cement. Glass went everywhere. I still find small pieces here and there. It was incredibly terrifying and freeing at the same time. I'll definitely be checking out that book. I also highly recommend a book called Intuitive Eating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The best things in life are liberating and also scare me shitless. Woohoo! Thanks for the book recommendation!

      Delete
  4. You just read my mind about kitties, unicorns, and rainbows. Unfortunately, I don't even have a scale at my house! If I come across one for like a buck or something then I'll get it and do this DIY, but I just stare at kitty pictures and wear my comfy clothes. =D

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes! Healthy at any size! I have been reading Kate's blog for a really long time and I bought the book when it first came out. I am embarrassed to say that I haven't read through it yet. It is on my shelf looking purty though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love them both. It is shocking to me how radical their notions seem to most people. I wish we all thought that way.

      Delete
  6. This would be such an AMAZING public installation idea! I'm really into public interactive art, and I think it would be so cool if someone put a scale in a public place with a sign that said WEIGH YOURSELF... and when you stepped on it would say things like you are an amazing gorgeous beautiful awesome human being! Maybe I'll find a scale at a thrift store and do this on my college campus come fall quarter :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I LOVE that idea. Seriously. I love it. If you do this, will you link me to it so I can see?!?!?

      Delete
    2. I love this idea too! Do it!

      Delete
  7. Came over here because Grits and Moxie posted about you! After years of dieting turned into a "lifestyle change" I am finally ready to ditch the scale! Love your idea to DIY the scale, but I really love the idea of eating for your body and your health and for joy, not for weight! It was a hard truce to come to, but so freeing and wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kinda makes me want to go out and buy a scale just so I can do this.

    ReplyDelete
  9. dude, you seriously rock....i love this!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love you. I discovered your blog on GOMI. This actually makes me feel a little icky, considering how much negativity is on there, which I got fed up with after all of one day. But I'm so glad it led me to your slice of the internet!

    Sincerely,

    a new loyal reader :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Enh, I check it from time to time:) I'm no saint. P.S. glad you're here:)

      Delete
  11. I love this post. My mom always told me that diets are about life changes and if you love your body you want to put good nutritious things in it and treat it right. People that are too obsessed with numbers have the wrong motivation and are most likely to continue (assuming that they are) being unhealthy in one way or another. This is a great positive way of looking at dieting. I used to shudder at the word myself.

    -Jess xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm looking to feel better physically. A scale can't measure that for me:) I'm going to have to learn to trust my body:)

      Delete
  12. What an awesome idea. Can I just put a picture of your scale on my scale?

    ReplyDelete
  13. I don't own a scale (though a tricked out DIY one sounds like an idea I could get behind. Especially if it were covered in glitter).
    I'm going to check out the book you mentioned. I recently read Fat!So? and it changed everything for me: https://magpielibrarian.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/another-fucking-white-chick-talks-about-her-weight-or-im-reading-this-so-hard-right-now-fatso/

    ReplyDelete

Back to Top