This past week as I was wrapping up a power packed training session with one of my clients, our conversation sparked a topic that’s been on my heart for a while. I must share it with you! Before we get in to this, I want you to know that my heart is free of judgment on this issue. My stance comes from a place of love and a desire for you to be all God created you to be.
Now, let me just tell you that my client is a wife and full time working mother of two small children. She trains with me twice a week as soon as she gets off work and trains her tail off! As we were stretching and going over her progress our conversation led to the topic of motivation boards on Pinterest and this obsessive striving to look like the airbrushed women we “Pin”. I told her to be proud of her hard work and diligence and understand that in her particular season she might need to let go of this expectation. I told her she looks great and is working hard and to give herself a break already!
There’s nothing wrong with being inspired by these “pins” but there is a HUGE difference between inspiring and striving. I’m concerned about the unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves to look like a bikini model 24-7. I’m concerned at what this does for our gratitude level and how we measure OUR OWN progress. We are never enough and always striving for “HER legs”, “HER abs”, “ HER arms”, “HER CHEST”, etc.
It seriously is enough already. Have you been there?
I want you to shift your thinking from the pressure to look like a ripped porn star in a sports bra to being a HEALTHY AND STRONG Proverbs 31 woman. This means you lay your head down on the pillow at night knowing you gave it your all. You’re making progress and your heart is to be the best YOU possible.
And since we are talking about porn stars in sports bras and hot pants let me also say that there is no need to put on display what is blaringly obvious. I’ m not judging these women or saying anyone that has a picture of themselves in a sports bra on Pinterest is going to hell. All I’m saying is don’t let this world fool your or desensitize you into thinking it’s a REQUIREMENT FOR FITNESS. Or a requirement of your worth or love from your spouse or significant other.
My sweet friend, if this world has twisted your mind to pursue the endless display of your precious body I want to encourage you to cover up. If your only driving goal is to get attention and “show off” your body by putting bikini and underwear pictures on social media every day then you are setting yourself up for misery. Choose to be clothed with strength and dignity. You are worth far more than that.
Modesty and class will carry you much farther than being able to work out in nothing but a sports bra and hot pants. IT”S NOT ABOUT THAT. Save that for your spouse behind closed doors. I’m all for showing your progress but let’s do it in a tasteful way. Please don’t let yourself be desensitized. Be aware and alert. PROTECT YOUR TEMPLE. Focus on becoming the BEST version of you for the particular season you are in. If you have a rockin body it will be obvious. See action steps below.
Here are some great questions to ask yourself:
“Would I be OK if another woman was wearing what I’m wearing right now around my husband or significant other?”
“Would I be OK if another woman was wearing what I’m wearing right now around my son?”
“Am I wearing this because I feel confident and comfortable or am I trying to gain approval and get attention?”
“When I exercise can you see my butt? My cleavage?”
“Is working out or taking pictures in sports bras and hot pants really making me feel better about myself?”
I encourage you to take five minutes today to press into these few verses from Proverbs 31:
Verse 17 “She sets about her work vigorously. Her arms are strong for the tasks.”
Verse 22”…She is CLOTHED in fine line and purple”
Verse 25 “She is CLOTHED with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Verse 30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fear the Lord is to be praised.”
I really want to know if this is something you struggle with. What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment below. I read each and every one of them!
Speaking The Truth In Love,
Lindsey Nadler
Get real talk, no B.S. business advice on creating a business doing what you love.