That’s not how the whole body image & heart health narrative is supposed to go. I know. I’m supposed to struggle with my weight and health. Then, because I’ve sublimated my base urges and really learned to love myself, I miraculously transform into a thinner, better me.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this great blog post by Heather Plett.
I just love it and she captured so much of what I have encountered. People LOVE imposing a triumphant narrative on my fitness.
I’m not at war with my body. My body is not a thing to be dominated or warred against.
I am trying to figure out how to be healthy and joyful. I think I’m hovering or orbiting around that, I’m in the neighbourhood at least.
In July this Facebook memory came up:
I’ve tried a lot of things since 2014 and some of it worked for me, other stuff, not so much. I’ve tried mindfulness and abstaining from alcohol. I’ve tried losing weight. (Spoiler, I didn’t keep it off!)
https://fitisafeministissue.com/2015/02/20/40-years-40-lbs-guest-post/
I’ve though a lot about my cardiovascular health!
https://fitisafeministissue.com/2016/04/09/facebook-memories-and-blood-pressure-stories/
I’m back to the weight I was 3 years ago when my high blood pressure diagnosis (and offer of gastric bypass surgery by my doctor) happened. The thing is, I feel great!
I’m gardening, cycling a bit, playing soccer and occasionally working out. My blood pressure is right where it needs to be.
I do know if I put all my time and energy into tracking food and using all my self discipline for staying away from sweets and alcohol I do lose weight for a while. The things needed to do that make me super anxious and sad. I only think about food. It’s kind of awful.
Thing is, I use a lot of self-discipline to parent, take my university courses, be a grown up at work…lots of things. And here’s the deal, like many of my emotional and cognitive resources, I’ve only got so much to go around.
I love making delicious and nutritious food. I love craft beers. I’ve decided that until my blood pressure numbers change for the worse I’m good the way I am.
So I think the question is more of an exclamation. My highest weight and feeling GREAT!
