It’s been a long road that has brought me to speaking about Body Love & Holistic Wellness at the 1st Annual Body Love Conference! When I reflect on this journey, I’m so grateful for all the ups & downs I’ve experienced. I used to think I had a positive body image, I dressed nicely, men were attracted to me, folks always said I was pretty, I rarely received negative feedback about how I looked. Until I realized how unhappy I was and that body image had nothing to do with other people, it had everything to do with me. Privately, I looked in the mirror and didn’t like the image looking back at me. For years I fought with my body, doing fad diets to lose weight quickly, only to gain it back plus more. Watching TV reading magazines and beating myself up for not looking like the “It” celebs. Even getting into plus-size modeling, thinking I could offer a look that was unique and that my body type would resonate with other women; And because of some feedback I received, feeling that again my body had betrayed me because I wasn’t a “smaller” plus size model it would be difficult to get work.
It took a lot of soul searching and a little bit of counseling for me to figure out that my negative body image stemmed from other issues that I needed to deal with. I also had to come to terms with the fact that I probably would never look like the “It” celebs and guess what? That was ok! My new goal was to be the best me I could be and that meant getting healthy and well from the inside out. No more diets, it was time for a lifestyle change, something I could stick with for the long haul. No more beating myself up; if I had a piece of cake….I ate it….It was good….now move on, that choice doesn’t make me a bad person. Also, dealing with stress in a constructive manner and building positive/healthy relationships that included dumping a lying, cheating, husband, but I digress…As Ms. Mary J Blige says “No More Drama”. I surround myself with people and activities that are good for my spirit. I exercise (sometimes)…Hey; I’m a work in progress. But prayer and meditation have been very good for my emotional/mental, physical and spiritual health. It’s about a mind, body, soul balance and when those 3 are in harmony the outward appearance will show beauty, strength and confidence!
So, thinking back, I shed a lot of pounds….A lot of unwanted and unnecessary baggage. I look at myself today and I can honestly say I am happier with my (curvy, thick, fat, plus size, whatever you want to call it)….body than I’ve ever been, because my outward appearance no longer defines me. We get one body, treat it well!
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Kymberly will be at The Body Love Conference with her lecture
"Body Love and Holistic Wellness: Bridging the Gap." Sign up here!
Kymberly will be at The Body Love Conference with her lecture
"Body Love and Holistic Wellness: Bridging the Gap." Sign up here!
Follow this health conscious curvy girl and Certified Wellness Coach, Kymberly Nichole on Facebook and on Twitter @kym_nichole. You can also check out “Well Fit Curves” A Holistic Wellness Coaching Practice!
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