Living a Balanced Life

Something that has been weighing heavily on my heart for a while is the health of our society. It feels like the newest trend is to be the thinnest version of yourself to be considered beautiful. This is extremely damaging to women of all ages.

I believe the beauty standard should be being the healthiest version of yourself. Being strong. Having enough energy to do the things you love. Being able to go out to dinner with the people you love without worrying about food. Having the energy to be present with the people who matter most to you. Nothing is worth giving up your life for.

Especially when God has handcrafted each of us to be beautiful and unique in our own way. We are created in His image. Of course, work out for your health and eat nutritious foods, but don't be afraid to enjoy dessert or have takeout once in a while. It is okay to live. It is okay to enjoy food. It is okay to be free.

At the end of the day, no one truly loves you because of what your body looks like. They love you for your personality. For the way you make them laugh. For the way you care for them and show up when they need you. Your body is only one small part of who you are.

And I think we also need to remember that health does not have one specific look. You cannot look at someone and know how healthy they are, what they eat, what they have been through, or what their relationship with their body looks like. We are all different, and our bodies were never meant to fit into one mold.

Instead of centering your whole world around your appearance and body image, put that energy into your education, a new hobby, your relationships, your faith, or simply becoming a better version of yourself.

I've had my own personal struggles with this, and I had to learn the hard way by putting my health at risk. Thankfully, I am in a much better place now, and I am so much happier with where I am in life.

I find joy in slow mornings, reading a book, and enjoying a cup of coffee. I love to hike, not because I want to be skinny, but because I love being in nature and taking care of my body. I love to write and express myself through creativity. I have learned that there is so much more to life than chasing a certain look.

Find what makes you happy and channel your energy into that. You don't need to push yourself crazy hard in the gym to reach a certain look you think you're supposed to have. You don't need to restrict your calories. Work out because you want to be strong. Eat because your body needs nourishment and because food can also bring so much joy.

Trends will come and go. The “ideal” body will change again and again. But you only get one life. Don't spend your years chasing a body that social media told you would finally make you happy. Spend them making memories, laughing with the people you love, trying new things, traveling, creating, learning, eating the meal, taking the picture, and being fully present for your life.

I never want anyone to feel like they have to starve themselves or hate their body because they feel like they don't fit into society's idea of beauty. You were never meant to look like everyone else.

God created you uniquely and intentionally. Your life is so much bigger than your body, your weight, or your appearance. Don't spend your life trying to become smaller when there is so much more of you to discover, experience, and become.

You deserve a life that is bigger than the way you look. I truly believe God wants us to care for the bodies He gave us, not punish them for not looking like someone else's. There is so much beauty in being healthy, nourished, strong, and free.

Choose health. Choose joy. Choose freedom. And most importantly, choose to live the life God gave you. 🤍