Bloating & body dysmorphia..
A few years ago, I struggled really badly with body dysmorphia. Now looking back, I can see how small I was, but in my mind, I was still so far away from my ‘goal weight/size’. Really I was just waiting to feel content, but of course, that would never have come.
To be content is to experience an inner happiness and acceptance of yourself. This doesn’t come from a clothes size or weight on a scale.
BDD is horrible, but, I’m grateful for this experience and that I can look back with truth, as it allows me to relate to other women, who often share these experiences 💜
Whilst I don’t suffer with body dysmorphia anymore, I certainly have days where the crazy thoughts come rushing back..
& this day (pictured) was one of them..
I woke up super bloated
Wasn’t on or near my cycle
Had been eating well
& yet my tummy was puffy and I felt humungous ..
(How terrible of my tummy to do this to me!!! Why was it bloated, surely it had no reason to be?!)
I observed my thoughts starting to spiral, telling me awful things, but, I was able to remain in control & get a hold of my inner child & reassure her that this bloating was something normal & natural that happens to all bodies & that it would pass..
(Being able to do this took years of practice)
This experience of thoughts spiralling, reminded me of how bad things used to be..
I would be triggered by seeing my reflection, trying on clothes, being around people smaller than I was & of course working in the fitness industry was a huge contributing factor!
So now, to keep myself well,
🥰I don’t subscribe to any type of food restriction
🎾I’ve unfollowed people who I find triggering
🧘♀️I pay attention to my thoughts daily and ensure to constantly correct them if they are abusive in any way
🤽🏽♀️When I look back at photos of myself where I was much smaller- I remind myself how mentally unwell I was even though ‘I looked amazing’
If you’re struggling, I hope reading this and knowing you’re not alone, makes you feel a little better 🤗 It does get better with the daily work of active re-wiring of our toxic thoughts 💜
