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I was shopping with a friend last weekend, and she pulled on a pair of jeans that were obviously a size too small.
I asked if she wanted me to grab the next size up, and her eyes turned to saucers:
“No! If I buy them a size too small, I’ll be motivated to actually FIT into them by fall,” she said.
Honestly, this made me sad.
Because even though this is such a common sentiment — to keep that pair of “skinny” jeans in the back of your closet for when you might fit in them someday…
You’re actually a lot more likely to treat your body with kindness and respect — feeding it healthy food, getting good exercise — if you can celebrate the body you have NOW…
Even if you are on a weight loss journey.
Of course, we (women especially) are trained to nit-pick our bodies…
And it can be really hard to find things you love about how you look.
Which is why I want to share a few body-positivity tips I shared with my friend last week…
To help you appreciate your body in its current form — so you can treat yourself with a little more kindness, gentleness, and love. 💛
First up? Build a closet with clothes you love on YOUR body.
When you have to dig to find a pair of pants that actually fit… you’re almost guaranteed to start every day feeling defeated.
But with a wardrobe full of pieces you can slip on and feel great in, it’s a lot easier to feel confident and comfortable all day long.
Now, I get it: Switching out your wardrobe as your body changes can be pricey.
Try thrift and consignment shopping to find affordable outfits you can wear now…
And use them to get rid of clothes that don’t serve you at the moment (while making a little extra cash).
Next? Unfollow any fitness or diet accounts that leave you feeling worse about yourself.
While shame and comparison might motivate you to make a healthier lunch today…
They’re not great at motivating you to make better choices long-term.
Click “unfollow” on any accounts that make you feel ashamed…
And look for accounts that help you celebrate your curves, quirks, and human-ness.
After all, wellness is all about feeling BETTER about yourself, right?
And that can start today — no matter what shape your body is — simply by changing the media you consume.
This might sound cheesy, but… tape affirmations around your bathroom mirror.
This can feel awkward at first…
But when you read uplifting affirmations every day, you can literally rewire your brain to feel more positive about yourself, and make healthier choices.
Start by writing 5 motivational messages on colorful sticky notes, and put them up on the wall where you get ready in the morning.
Try to pick phrases that align with your values, and feel at least somewhat believable.
The key is to write affirmations that describe how you WANT to feel — not necessarily how you feel starting out.
(The more you repeat them, the more you’ll be able to accept them as truth.)
If you’re stuck, feel free to steal some of mine:
I make the world a better place
I am smart
I am loved
I am beautiful
I deserve to feel healthy
I can write my own story
Over time, you’ll start to actually believe these positive things about yourself…
Leading you to make healthier choices, and treat yourself with the love and kindness you deserve.
Lastly, speak to yourself how you would speak to a loved one.
I know, this can be incredibly hard.
We’re SO conditioned to notice things we don’t like about ourselves — and negative self-talk can be the default.
But try to catch yourself in the middle of mean thoughts, and see if you’d feel comfortable saying the same thing to your daughter, niece, or mom.
If not, you’re not allowed to say it to yourself.
This will get easier over time…
And it’s a great way to develop a more gentle, loving relationship with your body.
You deserve to give yourself grace. Nobody’s perfect, and you’re doing your best. That’s all that matters.
-, I hope these tips help you realize how beautiful you are today.
Because when you can celebrate the body you’re in, you’re in a much better place to make the healthy choices you deserve.
Oh, and if you have any other tips for loving your body, hit “reply” and let me know!
I’d love to be able to share them with the community in a future email. 🫶
To a healthy, balanced life,
Maggie Q
ActivatedYou Founder
