How to Love the Bod You’ve Got!

Mom & Hot Legs – I don’t know how old I was when this conversation took place, but I distinctly remember my Mom telling me that I could be like Katie Couric: I could have hot legs and a sharp mind at the same time. Genius. Katie Couric interviewed heads of state while sporting seriously fit legs in full view of all who watched The Today Show. Legs, brains and power.  Cool.  That got me thinking . . .

Ruth’s Hottest – She always finished it. I don’t remember thinking that my grandmother was a hott bod, sexy sizzle, tan, toned, or all that and a bag of chips. But, what she did market so well was her wicked wit, infectious laugh, Mensa-smart IQ, and the tenacity to whip my grandfather’s A$$ by finishing the New York Times Crossword Puzzle on Sundays. Our SHE-ro. He was a physician. She was a nurse. But, she was the Queen of the Sunday New York Times. His words revealed his appreciation of her sex appeal. Ruth’s mind and tenacity were sexy. This was my first view of lust for wordsmithing. He lost the puzzle challenge, but won the hott girl with the quick wit and the capacity to finish a Mensa-sized effort.

Embrace this Pretty Perspective:
Your Body is Just One Vital Part of ALL that You Are!
Our bodies are important, but, primarily they play host to all that defines who we fully are.  Are you witty?  Are you kind? Are you trustworthy? Can you keep a secret? Do you play a mean game of tennis? Are you an award-winning journalist? Do you bake goodies for all 9-year-olds in your child’s class? Do you make homemade lasagna? Are you a loving mommy? Do you offer grace and forgiveness? What IS your signature trait?

Our bodies simply contain our essence.  I have been working with clients to successfully move through this obsession with the container, the body, for two decades. Success with my clients involves this one truth: Our bodies are containers for all, ALL that we are! Magazine and TV marketing would have us believe that we are only our bodies. No, ma’am! Thank goodness we are free from bondage to the body, especially when we are sick, injured, off our game, disabled or chronically ill. One of the most beautiful women I know, an organ transplant recipient, claims she has “moon face” from having to take steroids and other meds. To her friends, she is just beautiful. And, beauty traits fall on a wide and colorful palette  – petite, tall, pale, freckled, tan, lean, athletic, curly, straight, wide-eyed, pouty-mouthed, and so much more. Take a look, a deep look.  

Appreciate the Beauty while Working on What You Can
While trying to lose 10 pounds, don’t miss delighting in your delicate skin. While toning your abs for bikini weather, give thanks for your thick hair. During dieting, love the legs which take you on long runs. When cussing your flabby arms, remember these arms reach out to hug, to perform vital acts of care. We are so much more than this exterior container. Madison Avenue marketing makes a mint by selling the money-driven focus on the exterior. Let’s join in solidarity to put this exterior in balanced perspective! Bodies matter, but more as a manifestation of our commitment to fitness, efforts to love others, dressed for success or adorned to adore. Let’s take our bodies to the moon . . . get fit to go the distance, stay healthy to hug for a lifetime, tone to compete in triathlons. We are not just for show, but to be cherished, with a balanced focus on the container AND its contents!  

Our bodies have purpose: Our bodies are hospitable hosts to house vitality, energy, love, concern, character, charisma, spirit, faith . . . all great elements of who we are, fully. May you celebrate your body today while you journey on the gracious path to where you are going!

Dr. Jane N. Geiger, M.A. is the Founder of Chattanooga Counseling & Mediation on Frazier Ave. She is a former beauty pageant participant, 5-sport athlete and Math Team nerd who learned the hard way to accept her tall frame when petite was in; dribbled a ball when cheerleading was the rage; and battled her curly hair when straight was vogue. The hair is still an issue.  Dr. Geiger and her staff may be reached at 423.994.0034 to help you with any body image issues – helping you move from mere acceptance to fully celebrating your body and its contents. For more information or to schedule an appointment you can find us at www.ChattanoogaCounselingAndMediation.com.

-Dr. Jane