To all of this, YES! When you first wrote about the doctor's office tip, I immediately used it on my next visit. Along with helping me, it also sent a message to the nurse on staff -- the number is irrelevant. I must admit, I took delight in seeing her surprise at my request. It was empowering!
One more tip I would add to your list: Be really careful about what you consume on social media related to fitness!
Oh, I love hearing that Charlene! Thank you for sharing that with me! And yes to social media. It is thorny indeed. I actually don't think I follow anyone who might identify as a fitness influencer, which is maybe why it didn't occur to me to recommend this action. Thank you for sharing it!
I always say no thank you to being weighed, and it's awesome. It often startles the person bringing me back from the waiting room, and that's ok.
I told a teacher friend I have lunch with every day that her most boomer characteristic is her obsession with weight:) Not the most tactful, but extremely accurate. The most important thing about us is not our weight!
I'm 50 and can relate to coming of age with a ThighMaster at home. I remember being a college freshman, going through a stressful time, and losing weight quickly. People complimented me for it. One family member said, "You're getting your dancer legs back." But those "dancer legs" they were talking about were from when I was 13. At 18, having legs with a Barbie thigh gap meant starving myself and smoking.
Diet culture and weight stigma never went away and seem to be getting worse again. I appreciate all your suggestions about changing the narrative and being more mindful of how our words and attitudes influence others. That's something we all can do. Thank you, Christine, for sharing such a thoughtful essay!
Daphne, thank you for sharing your body stories with me, and I'm sorry that you also were subject to that kind of "feedback." I hope you are finding a caring and compassionate way forward. I am rooting for you!
Hey Christine, thanks for sharing your personal testimony and providing meaningful actions we can take to combat intrusive thoughts and feelings. I'm in my mid-40s ... things change as we head into perimenopause. You can be satisfied with how you look and feel, but still experience dysmorphia with aging.
Absolutely. In the podcast episode I reference, Dacy and I talk about natural body stage changes (like pregnancy, peri/meno). It is absurd that we have been conditioned to believe our bodies shouldn't stay the course amidst these major shifts!
To all of this, YES! When you first wrote about the doctor's office tip, I immediately used it on my next visit. Along with helping me, it also sent a message to the nurse on staff -- the number is irrelevant. I must admit, I took delight in seeing her surprise at my request. It was empowering!
One more tip I would add to your list: Be really careful about what you consume on social media related to fitness!
Oh, I love hearing that Charlene! Thank you for sharing that with me! And yes to social media. It is thorny indeed. I actually don't think I follow anyone who might identify as a fitness influencer, which is maybe why it didn't occur to me to recommend this action. Thank you for sharing it!
I always say no thank you to being weighed, and it's awesome. It often startles the person bringing me back from the waiting room, and that's ok.
I told a teacher friend I have lunch with every day that her most boomer characteristic is her obsession with weight:) Not the most tactful, but extremely accurate. The most important thing about us is not our weight!
OMG LOL I am so here for that direct sauce. And great move on declining on stepping on the scale in the first place!
I'm 50 and can relate to coming of age with a ThighMaster at home. I remember being a college freshman, going through a stressful time, and losing weight quickly. People complimented me for it. One family member said, "You're getting your dancer legs back." But those "dancer legs" they were talking about were from when I was 13. At 18, having legs with a Barbie thigh gap meant starving myself and smoking.
Diet culture and weight stigma never went away and seem to be getting worse again. I appreciate all your suggestions about changing the narrative and being more mindful of how our words and attitudes influence others. That's something we all can do. Thank you, Christine, for sharing such a thoughtful essay!
Daphne, thank you for sharing your body stories with me, and I'm sorry that you also were subject to that kind of "feedback." I hope you are finding a caring and compassionate way forward. I am rooting for you!
Hey Christine, thanks for sharing your personal testimony and providing meaningful actions we can take to combat intrusive thoughts and feelings. I'm in my mid-40s ... things change as we head into perimenopause. You can be satisfied with how you look and feel, but still experience dysmorphia with aging.
Appreciate the perspective.
-LaDonna
Absolutely. In the podcast episode I reference, Dacy and I talk about natural body stage changes (like pregnancy, peri/meno). It is absurd that we have been conditioned to believe our bodies shouldn't stay the course amidst these major shifts!
I think this post is going to be incredibly helpful for readers, and more so because of your vulnerability, Christine. I love it.
Thank you so much, Dacy. Our conversation was thought provoking and I will carry it forward as I work on smashing the patriarchy!