If You Can't Say Something Nice

Okay, everybody, buckle up because we're about to talk about body positivity.

Yep.

You guys, I had a weekend. A bad one. Like... the one where you eat four cupcakes, decide not to track those cupcakes and then lay in bed thinking about what a failure you are, how you'll never reach your goals, and how you wish you could for once just stick with something instead of failing at it. And then when I looked at myself in the mirror, I did not like what I saw there. I know, shocking.

But then today, I showed up for myself like I always do and I went to the gym and I did all the squats and lunges Jeff threw at me (I might throw something at him tomorrow when I can't sit down to pee, but... I digress). I was still feeling a little negative. I was self-conscious about how my stomach poked out and how I still have that little bit of pudge that hangs out at the side of my arm.

And then, in between sets, I looked down at my pants. I was wearing a shorter shirt today, so I could see the very top of my pants where the drawstring was poking out. The drawstring has
a knot in it, which I tied about a month ago because my pants wouldn't stay up like they used to. The drawstring was 4 inches (4 inches!) tighter than when I first bought and wore those pants.

The pants spoke to me. They said, "Stop being an idiot, Julie, and get back to work. You've got nothing to be ashamed of."

Guys, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

Would you look your friend in the eye and say, "You're weak. I can't believe you didn't stick with your goals today"?

Would you look at your child and tell them they are ugly, or stupid, or that they'll never be good at anything or that they aren't as good or as worthy as other kids on the playground? No. You tell them they can work hard, that they have talents, that they have something to offer.

So the next time you feel like giving your body a hard time for being human (such a crime, I know), just don't. Humans make mistakes. They have stretch marks and cellulite and weak arms and emotions and injuries.

Don't be a bully. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.