I remember when I used to exercise to make myself smaller.
All the running I did to burn calories, to lose weight, to tone up, to fit into a smaller size – to literally make myself smaller. I also remember how that made me feel. How goals of being smaller, taking up less space physically, did not inspire me to do my best. Those types of goals were shallow and didn’t motivate me internally to push myself or to be my best.
Then one day, years ago, I was at the beach by myself lying there in a red polka dot bikini feeling bad about my thighs and how big they were. And it dawned on me how crazy it was to think that and how many times I had thought that over the years. Again and again. Always berating myself and wishing I was smaller. Working towards being smaller.
That day, as I looked down at my thighs I consciously decided to love them, as they were, no changes necessary. In fact, I smiled and even exclaimed in my head (not out loud although that would have been awesome): I love my thighs!
From that day forth I decided to start focusing on the inside. To stop putting as much pressure on myself about the outside. It was okay, actually more than okay, that I was a petite and curvy size 6 with big thighs and a big ass and a tiny chest. I was done forcing myself to be a certain size so I could fit into certain clothing.
I didn’t stop exercising after this though. Rather, I started exercising even more and even better because suddenly my goal wasn’t to take up less space and be smaller… my goal was to take up more space and be bigger.
I wanted to be MORE confident, focused, driven, stronger, determined, and successful.
I wanted to be MORE, not less.
And every run after that, every boxing class, every yoga class, every at home workout was fueled by a new internal motivator that was so much powerful than ever before.
As a result, you know what happened? I did lose weight, I did tone up and become so much stronger. But you know what the moral of this story is? It’s that those physical goals mean little compared to how much better I feel on the inside.
Since I’ve shifted my mindset and my goals I have felt better each and every day. I don’t berate myself all the time, I don’t compare myself, I don’t wish I was someone else. Instead, I appreciate my efforts and hardwork, I love the things that make me me, and I know that every day is an opportunity to be more. To be better. To feel better.
Now, darling readers, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with wanting to lose weight. No. But what I am saying is that how you feel on the INSIDE is what matters even more. And when you focus on feeling confident, empowered, divine, sexy, strong, focused, determined you will feel better, and look better, as a result. I pinky swear.
Author: Erin Madore
Email: [email protected]
Author Bio: Erin Madore is the Founder & CEO of Grounded Warrior and loves coffee and burpees! She has been in the fitness and wellness industry for over five years and has a diverse background, as she is a Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Personal Trainer, Reiki Master and Spinning Instructor. Erin is best known for her genuine and upbeat attitude and loves challenging and motivating people to do their very best, to have fun while exercising, and to be proud of their efforts. When she’s not working out or running the biz you can find Erin exploring the Boston area with her husband or relaxing at home in Dorchester with her cats Harry & Sally.
Special offer for Harness readers: 30% off a monthly or yearly membership using coupon code: HarnessMagazine30 (please note it’s case sensitive, so be sure to copy and paste). Questions, let us know!
Link to website or social media: www.GroundedWarrior.com | https://www.facebook.com/GroundedWarrior/
