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I can recall the first time I really felt betrayed by my own body. I remember vividly wanting to escape and crawl into someone else’s body. But not just any body, the perfect body. The body without excess pudge, with sleek legs, tanned skin and perfectly flowing hair. You could say the flawless body, if only such a thing existed.
I was in third grade when the realization came right before I picked up the nickname thunder thighs. The horrible, shameful experience of the first negative remark from another young boy against me is still a very real and vivid memory. It hurt and in the end created what turned out to be years of shame, of negative self-doubt against my body. Even to this day, I’d be lying if I told you I was in a perfect relationship with my legs.
Sure there were times when they were toned and I could love on my more muscular legs but post three babies and a lack of gym time, they just aren’t the same. The same emotions still erupt which takes me all the way back to my pre-adolescent days of living with just a little extra pudge. The days of being known as thunder thighs.
I recently found myself back at that shameful place once again as I looked in the mirror trying on shorts for summer. After six pairs I opted for the cropped jeans which would make due no matter how hot I got.
But then something happened.
I recognized the unnecessary hurt I was putting my body through. The shame I was causing myself. The frustration, self-doubt and negative talk that seemed to evade my mind more and more. I was running back into the dark hole and losing confidence every minute. I was losing ground on the respect and love I had created for myself.
And so I had a choice.
A choice to choose darkness, doubt, and a lack of confidence. To forever hide my legs in a pair of jeans. Or I could choose to stand up. To respect my body for the fact that it has carried three beautiful souls, walked more steps than I can dream and continuously strive for health over meeting societal standards.
While it’s not easy, it’s what is best and to be honest it is incredibly freeing.
If you too struggle with similar situations, of not loving you, your body and find yourself sitting in the pit of self-doubt, know you’re not alone. But more importantly know there is a way out and man the way out is so much brighter than you can ever imagine.
On today’s episode we have the privilege of talking with an expert in the field of self-confidence. Someone who has her own story and her name is Lori Harder. You’ll want to tune in to hear her incredible story and find out exactly how she overcame similar obstacles and the tips she gives us to walk with our head high and ultimately find peace with yourself.
To love on your thunder thighs and give thanks for the muscle, endurance and beauty they provide.
Here’s what you’ll learn in episode #016 of Simple Roots Radio:
- How Lori’s childhood of being teased gave her direction in life.
- What happened at eight years old that changed everything.
- How she used fitness competitions for good in her body.
- Her struggle with self-inflicted panic attacks.
- Why she became obsessed with fitness magazines.
- Why she stops waiting for things to happen and what she does instead.
- How Lori finally accepted who she is as a person and the body she has.
- How to overcome rejection.
- The scenario of visualizing the future.
- What gives her energy.
- Her take on confidence and change.
- How she earns her happy without using food.
[Tweet “You should do something every day that you love. @loriharder”]
[Tweet “When you follow your passions, you have abundant energy. @loriharder”]
[Tweet “When we speak our struggles, they lose power. @loriharder”]
[Tweet “Everything can be turned into a teachable moment. @loriharder”]
Make sure you check out Lori on:
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
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I hope this podcast has been everything you needed and more!
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