Tummy envy…
“The root of suffering is attachment.” The Buddha
Yes, it’s true I’ve resorted to quoting Buddha to help get my point across for this very important topic. Tummy Envy; you have it, I have it, women everywhere around the world have it. The illusion is that women with flat tummies and/or perfectly defined ab muscles are somehow superior and should be emulated at all costs. This deception has led to countless tummy tucks, steaming herbal wrap treatments, and fat eliminating injections of who knows what, all to achieve this manufactured myth. Do we dare to think that the universe may never have actually intended for women to look this way? I know, it sounds crazy, but let’s think about this for a moment. It’s only in recent years that this persona became popular. As little far back as the 1950’s and 60’s pinups like Bettie Page and Marilyn Monroe were considered the sexiest women alive, coveted by every woman of their generation and desired by every man then and (probably) still today. So let’s take a closer look at those bods, does the term “child baring hips” comes to mind? And of course my favorite Lynda Carter in the 1970’s series “Wonder Woman”; the gold belt only enhances the tummy, seriously you have to google these pics, I’d say they look a tad different then todays half-starved, silicone enhanced Sports Illustrated models, wouldn’t you say?
“A disciplined mind brings happiness.” The Buddha
Unfortunately it’s kind of difficult to escape the media madness these days. If it’s not on television or in magazines, it’s in public advertisements on the train or bus, movie posters, and internet ads. Sometimes it’s that really annoying perfect girl on the treadmill who always seems to be at the gym at the exact same time as you and never wears a full length top. It’s ok to hate her; but you should ask yourself why you hate her? Yes, she may look like a swim suit model but it is possible she was just born that way, right? Don’t be a hater!
And btw, in case you hadn’t noticed, you’re at the gym too; working your butt off. Give yourself a pat on the back and a slap on that soon to be firm bottom of yours. We did not all come out of the womb with a six pack and many of us will never know what it feels like to have one. That’s a hard fact to swallow, but there it is. Depressed much? Don’t be.
“May all beings have happy minds.” The Buddha
Let me be very clear about this, I believe in being the healthiest “you” that you can be. With the variety of Heights, weights, widths and lengths this world has to offer in body types, it’s impossible that we were all meant to look exactly the same. It is not only unlikely that this was the original design, but, theoretically speaking, it is highly improbable. Body image has the power to both motivate and decimate your mental wellbeing. You can let it control you or you can control it; it’s your choice. As women and mothers we often feel that we fall short of giving 150%. Yes that’s absurd, but with today’s super mom capabilities it’s easy to forget to acknowledge your own super accomplishments. Whether it’s getting to the gym at 5:00 a.m. before the kids wake up or biking to work to get your cardio in, you achieve bits of greatness every day and should feel proud. Any Amazonian woman would agree. Now then, grab your golden lasso and…
“Go in peace my daughter. And remember that, in a world of ordinary mortals, you are a Wonder Woman.” Queen Hippolyte
(Yes, I just went from quoting Buddha to quoting DC Comics, but it worked didn’t it?)