Today I had lunch with a good girlfriend of mine and we chatted about how our metabolisms seem to have changed. I am 42 now and my girlfriend is a few years younger than me.
I thought this would be a good topic to blog about as my friend and I can’t be the only two struggling with our changing, ageing bodies.
In fact, I find it quite distressing at times and the mirror is turning into my enemy!
I say this tongue in cheek as I still see the funny side and mostly I cope with the drooping, sagging and emerging cellulite.
It does take it’s toll though and self esteem can plummet when faced with the daily onslaught of weight creeping on and wrinkles settling surreptitiously.
I still feel young inside but my body is betraying me. It seems to take a lot more effort these days to look good and negative thinking creeps up regularly. I haven’t given up hope though.
Society is obsessed with beauty and perfection and this places a lot of pressure on women. Especially as we often feel we have to compete against media images that are airbrushed and unattainable to most women. Thank goodness for TV programmes such as Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies that offer perspective on how most women look with their clothes off!
Make the most of what you have and always talk to yourself in a positive way – as you would a best friend. Statistics reveal that more than 80% of women are unhappy with their bodies and regularly put themselves down, call themselves “fat and unattractive” or “undesirable”.
Self acceptance (which is a regular ongoing pursuit) helps to buffer changes in body image and appearance. Instead of loathing your body, thank it for getting you this far and ‘working’ for all these years. Celebrate what you’ve been given and work with it, not against it.
Mandy X
For a bit of fun..try Mandy’s iphone app: Life Wisdom https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/life-wisdom/id392898772?mt=8 More on Mandy: https://www.mandyjane-lifedesign.com The author of this blog lives in Surrey, UK and offers counselling to couples and individuals. All names have been changed to protect the identity of clients. Personal client stories shared in this blog have been published with prior permission from the relevant clients.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
