While I don't want to tell you this story because it left me feeling pretty icky, I think that it might help someone. So I will press on with hope that you don't think less of me -- and if you do, please don't tell me.
I grew up terrified of athletics. Gym class was horrible for me - from kickball to trying to learn layups. I felt self conscious about my body because I had boobs starting in the 5th grade. Kids called me a slut because I was new to school and physically developed. I didn't even know what that meant. Instead of athletics, I played piano and read a ton of books, and I rode horses. I didn't play sports. In fact, I was the only person in my family who did not play soccer.
A College Crush
One day, a new trainer at the gym called me into his office. I didn't realize he was trying to drum up business for himself. And I wasn't sure what was going or why I went in there. It was probably my people pleasing and wanting to be liked by everyone.
This trainer started asking me about my workouts and what I was working on. I don't remember everything that I said, but I probably said something self deprecating about my lower body. Then he told me to stand up, and so I did. He said, "Turn around." And I did. Then he said, "Oh, yeah. You need a lot of work back there." Mind you, I was in my 20s. Even if I wasn't a skinny barbie doll, I was a size 5/6 and I looked pretty damn good.
In that moment, I felt ashamed of my body and myself. I felt the waves of shame wash over me. It started slowly from the moment I'd sat down in this trainer's office. Then I went numb, shut down, and just let the tidal waves of shame wash over me.
To this day, I can't believe that I even walked into that office and followed his directions. That man was trying to shame me into buying his personal training services. It was humiliating, but what I was most upset with was myself.
Why did I even agree to walk into that office? Why did I agree to turn around for that man?
Why Talk About Body Shame?
Advertisers tell us we'll lose the love, the guy, the job, or the success if we don't look good enough. Even when we know intellectually that this is untrue, our psyches don't always absorb it.
My dad sent an article to me when Bruce Jenner came out as Caitlin. It was a fabulous editorial about welcoming Caitlin to being female, and how her looks would be up for discussion by all sorts of people and how one's worth as a human being was directly connected with if whether you are considered beautiful.
I love being a woman, but I feel torn. Do I worry and obsess about my looks and my butt? Yes. We're all allowed to be a little vain at times. I'm grateful for that vanity, because sometimes it is what drives me to get up and go to the gym when I don't want to. Sometimes vanity trumps wanting to be healthy.
This experience changed my worldview about body shaming and beauty. It is very different from healthy living and exercise. The truth is, you are beautiful today, tomorrow and yesterday. Whether you are a size 2 or 20, have curly hair or straight, or whatever else advertisers and shamers are trying to sell.
Share your body shame story with #TruthTuesday
Here's my point.
I wish I could go back to my 20 year old self and say, "Hey wait a minute. Pause. Let's think this through. I don't know why this man wants me to come into his office. I already know how to workout. And I don't really want or need whatever he is selling, so a polite no thank you will do just fine." I still would have shame without that experience, but it really did sear into my soul.
This is the gift of recovery - it's so important to celebrate the wins. About a year ago, I joined another gym, just to get some variety from the other studios and classes I was going to. Their membership fee was waived and the monthly fee was very reasonable, so I thought I could try it out, try some new teachers and see how it went.
The gym kept hounding me to come into meet with a trainer to do an assessment. Yes, you guessed it. What kept coming up was the guy who shamed me in Dallas, all those years ago. The other thing that I realized was that I had more experience and knowledge than most of the staff at this place. I've been a personal trainer. I've worked out with professionals. So why would I waste my time listening to a new trainer trying to get me to work with them?
I clearly stated that I was not interested, and they left me alone. I trusted my gut and protected myself. For me, that was a HUGE step.
My challenge for you is to stop the shame. If someone starts making comments about your weight, your body, or what you are eating, then walk away. Don't buy from brands that blatantly shame you. Most importantly, stop shaming yourself. Celebrate what works and how your body carries you around this world. Visit my Facebook page to share how you celebrate your body, and you could win a prize.