How I Started Loving My Body

Hello, tender friends!

I love my body more at age 38 than I did at age 18. I love my body in a way I never could back then. I didn’t realize it was possible.

I love my body for reasons that have nothing to do with how it looks. (I’m aware that gravity exists, but I’m not going to curse it because it’s one of God’s creations). I love my body because most of the time it feels good.

I know that yoga is controversial in Christian circles, but taking yogalatis has made me appreciate my body in a way I never could before. Because the focus is on improving without strain, the instructor continuously asks, “How does that feel? If it’s too much, stop. Figure out how to make it feel good without being too much.”

I’m aware that she likely does this because of liability, as staying in touch with your own body is important for safety. But almost every time she says it, I think This feels amazing! God gave me such a good body! Thank you, God!

Reading about how a woman’s menstrual cycle affects her stamina in a biohacking book has also helped me love my body. For most of my life I berated myself during workouts if I wasn’t reaching the goal that I wanted. I took the masculine approach of pushing my body harder instead of giving myself grace.

When I learned that a woman’s cycle lends itself to certain periods of resting and certain periods of trying for a personal best, it validated something within me. Those days that I just don’t have it are nothing to be ashamed of. It’s how God made me. And who am I to argue with God? Remember what He said to Job?

How I wish I could go back to my 18-year-old self and help her love herself. How I wish she could have learned to be gentle with herself.

It just never occurred to me that I had a choice to love my body until recently.

But we all have a choice. I choose love from now on.

I hope that you will choose to love your body too. Because really, what’s the alternative?

Okay, that’s all for today, tender friends! Thank you for stopping by, and thank you for sharing!

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  1. omasteffi

    What a wonderful message! As my 65-year-old body shows me new surprises frequently, your message of grace and acceptance of the body God gave me is timely! I plan to start doing yoga on YouTube if I can figure out how to do that – another peril of aging! ❤️

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    1. Stacey

      I’m so happy that it’s timely for you, Stefanie! The way I see it, there was gravity before the fall so it’s always been part of God’s plan, ha!

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  2. Carole Ann Landon

    I’m trying to learn this at age 48. I’ve always been way too hard on myself. I’ve currently found out about Revelation Wellness and it has helped me so much. God Bless.❤️

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Stacey

      That’s awesome that you found something that works for you! Thank you for stopping by today. God bless, Carole.

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  3. kimfrostpinkneygmailcom

    Hi Stacey Wonderful. I am so glad you are enjoying your body. Self-compassion is crucial. I am glad you are bloging about it. I just finished reading Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff who pioneered this concept. It was so amazing. It is a must read for everyone, especially women. I have an extra copy if you want to borrow it. Peace Kim

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    1. Stacey

      Thank you, Kim! I actually read that book about a year ago!! That’s is what I based a post on about hugging yourself, which I have done ever since!

      I’m just tickled that the Lord is bringing us to some of the same materials in our journeys. 😉😉

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  4. Nancy Ruegg

    Such an encouraging post, Stacey! For decades we were told to “go for the burn,” and remember: “no pain, no gain.” Your instructor’s attitude of “Figure-out-how-to make-it-feel-good-without-being-too-much” is delightfully refreshing! Kudos to you for highlighting what you appreciate about your body, and turning it into praise to God.

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    1. Stacey

      Thank you, Nancy! I recently told a friend that I’ve been working out wrong my whole life. Adopting the “no pain, no gain” mentality did not yield the best results for me and I’m getting way more range of motion through other means nowadays!

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  5. katiesencouragementforyou

    Every woman should read this blog! Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Stacey

      Thank you, Katie! I appreciate your kind words.

      Liked by 1 person

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  6. Rachel

    Beautifully said 👏 ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Stacey

      thank you, Rachel!

      Liked by 1 person

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  7. Janice Reid

    It matters most that you have learned to love your body now. Continue to take care of it, no guarantees, but there’s a greater chance it will serve you well in your golden years ❤️.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Stacey

      yes, that’s the goal, Janice! Anthony and I always talk about how we need to take care of ourselves so we can be good grandparents one day and help out with the kids.

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      1. Janice Reid

        You’re right!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. katerehanna

    It is our culture. Lots of ingrained shame and judgment. I am a smidge older, but I think I agree with you – I am more comfortable in my skin than ever. I am happy to hear that you love you :). Keep up the yoga 👍

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    1. Stacey

      Culture definitely takes its toll. It’s important to protect our minds.

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, katerhanna!

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