Skip to main content

"Fitspiration"

Today in class, we discussed "fitspiration" and how it has become a large, recent trend in today's social media sites. Instead of focusing on becoming thin, this movement seeks to make women desire to be "strong--not skinny." Earlier this year, I began working out 4-5x per week and have continued and loved this habit, even today. I've come to enjoy what my body is capable of and love to see new lines of muscles where I had never seen them before. As I developed this habit, I began to follow more and more social media influencers who were strong, beautiful women whose feeds were inspiring to reach new physical heights and abilities. I wanted to be like them--I still want to be like them. But after talking about the effect that this kind of feed has on women (it has the same effect as women encouraging thinness), I took a step back and thought about how I have really viewed my body in the last year because of this influence. I wouldn't say I am obsessed with how my body looks by any means, but I am always seeking to improve it and am never satisfied. It's as if the new body composition of strength that I've worked so hard to develop isn't enough because I still don't look like those women on my feed. All this time I've thoughts they were inspiring me; however, as I fasted from social media, I've felt more comfortable in my body and haven't worried about getting more toned muscles or stronger legs, etc. Since my fast and our class, I've unfollowed many of the women that I thought had a good impact on me--and since then, I have felt relieve, comfort, and joy with the body I have.
Sometimes, we think the media we're viewing is having a certain affect on us, and in my case, I exposed myself to it more and more to increase the "positive" effect it was having on me. But in reality, no amount of picture-perfect women will have a good effect on how you view yourself and your worth. So I've decided to focus on who I am more than how I look this next year. I don't want my children to think it's important that they look a certain way; rather, I want them to know it's more important to be beautiful on the inside than on the outside. So here's to getting rid of "fitspiration" to be truly inspired by sources of truth and media that will actually have a positive affect on me!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Long-Distance Media Use

My sister lives out in Maryland with our one and only, famous nephew. My parents, siblings, and I are totally obsessed with him and are so upset that we can't be close to see him grow up, but we FaceTime them often individually and at family gatherings to stay close and connected. What a great blessing that is! My husband and I have plans to move next June for medical school and I've pondered about what it might be like when we are away from family and starting our own family. Sometimes I am sad when I think about the fact that we won't be able to be physically close to them or be able to go to family gatherings; however, I am grateful for technology and media these days so we can stay connected and allow are kids to get to know our family personally. I'm grateful specifically for FaceTime for allowing for (almost) face to face contact with family.
Post a Comment
Read more

Media in NYC

This past week for Thanksgiving, my mom, sisters, and I went to New York City for a couple days. It was such a blast and is always so fun to see during Christmastime. This wasn't my first time there, but I am always surprised at how materialistic the city is in general. It is crazy how much money goes into the adds that are shown on the big screens on Times Square--they literally never shut off all night. It made me think of how media is such a large part of our modern day existence. Advertising for material things is so common and if we use our social media accounts to "advertise" for positive things such as the gospel or family, we can make a difference. It may be smaller of a difference than those ads at Times Square but it will be more important and lasting.
Post a Comment
Read more

Christmas Music!!

I loooooove Christmas music--always have. During Christmas-time (meaning after Halloween in my family), we would almost always have Christmas music playing around the house. It always brought such a good, happy spirit to our home and somehow brought a lot of comfort. Maybe it was the tradition and consistency that brought be comfort, but the music itself played a large part in my joy about the holiday season. I've already begun listening to Christmas music wherever I go and I love it! The familiar songs and singers bring back so many good childhood memories. It is something I want to continue in my future family so my children can enjoy the joy of Christmas music. Luckily, I married a man who likes to listen to Christmas music right after Halloween also. ;)
Post a Comment
Read more