A message from Julia Ruane-Smith to all members of Women Over 50 on NaBloPoMo!
I am 51 and weigh about 157 lbs. I am only about 10-15 lbs overweight (couldn't do my swimming for 2 weeks because it was down for repairs so I gained a couple of lbs back) but I struggle with body image. I am wearing a size 14 which is a bit too big but it is better for it to be a little big than the other way around.
I really think the reason I struggle with my body image is due to my hubby. He has always been an exercize buff and he got me into working out when we first got together as friends. He made a comment way back then that caused me to start looking at my body and feel insecure (I weighed 134 lbs back then - in 1997). So now I am trying to overcome my body image problem. The swimming works a lot- Iost 20 lbs since February just walking in the water and swimming in the warm water pool. (I have fibromyalgia and can't take cold water pools or beach water)
How do you deal with body image?
I haven't a clue as to the share thing, as this site isn't back-of-my-hand familiar like some of the others I post on are.
On the body image thing, I'm 56 and mine sucks ... always has ... and not without reason and history. Here's a story that about says it all:
A couple of decades ago I was struggling mightily with clinical depression and sought help. In the course of a discussion with my mother, I happened to mention that I was seeing a shrink. She, being my mother and the unique individual she is, took it personally and began a Third Degree over what my issues might be.
Part of my explanation included the fact that in my whole life I had never really felt "pretty".
My mother's response?
"Oh, Sandra ... exasperated sigh ... There have been plenty of times in your life, when you've taken the time to fix yourself up, that you've looked pretty."
(I immediately ran to the house of my best friend who immediately offered to drive over and slap the shit out of my mom ... and he would have done it, too, as I'd done almost that same favor right after he'd "come out" to his mom. I really had to hold him back. I LOVE my friends!)
I've had no shortage of men worshipping at my feet, doting boyfriends, and three adoring husbands, but no matter what, my mother's message continues to dominate.
In retaliation, I have spent time every day of my children's lives reinforcing the very true adage that they are THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HUMANS ON THE PLANET, inside AND out!
(Just FYI, my present ... and final -- we've been married for 14 years and have 2 kids aged 5 and almost 3 ... husband is more than 15 years younger than I am and a total hottie, so I apparently have more going for me than my mother could appreciate.)
I was thin most of my life, even after having babies. In 1994 I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder and was started on antidepressants. That added a "pound or two..." I had pneumonia and the meds I was put on added another 'pound or two.' Four years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and a few ugly step sisters, and the meds I went through added a few more pounds. I got up to 175 before I realized it. Last year I started awua walking in a warm water pool and then swimming. I have a lost 20 lbs and I'm thinking another 10-15 lbs should do it for me. I don't want to be scary skinny, just 52 year old sexy, well not sexy but looking good!
Wieght has not been my issue. I'm fairly tall ... 5'9" ... and have always been thin, although I'm heavier now than I should be, also due mainly to meds. I don't mind the weight much, though, as my plumper face keeps the wrinkles filled out!
I'm 56, facryinoutloud, and don't mind looking it. I stopped coloring my hair when I was 50 and decided to make a point of embracing as much of the real me as possible for as long as I can. Since my hubby likes embracing me, too, I'm in good company.
