Day 5 Quote

“When you look closely people are so strange and so complicated that they're actually beautiful.” 

Day 5 Challenge

Exercise for fun—choose a form of exercise that you enjoy, a form you wouldn’t normally choose because it calls attention to your body.

WHY:  Exercise is necessary for health, but we have turned it into a duty, obligation and punishment--something we do to “make up” for the food we eat. Women are bombarded with media messages that tell us we can’t run, swim, do yoga, or any number of things unless we have the “perfect” body. We must stop waiting to achieve perfection and live our lives to the fullest--taking risks, trying new things, and utilizing the unlimited potential of our bodies.

JOURNAL: How did your body feel during and after your exercise? Reflect on the blessing of being able to move.

I switched days 5 & 6. So, today was my Day 5 Challenge. I didn't do it. I got the information about the Water Aerobics class, but I didn't go. I will go before the week is up. I will go Friday. Maybe tomorrow. But, I will go. I was swimming regularly and then I went to the pool and a (very slim) lady from my ward was at the pool - sitting on the bench watching her children swim. I haven't been back since. I know. I have issues. That's why I'm doing this. I WILL GO this week.

Day 6 Quote

“Beauty is simply reality seen with the eyes of love.”   

Day 6 Challenge

Refrain from talk about weight or shape of self and others.  Be aware of how often you compare yourself to others, and evaluate how this makes you feel.

WHY:  The obsession with weight, shape and appearance continues among women partially because we encourage it in each other. We have made it unacceptable for a woman to be at peace with her body. Refraining from speaking about weight and shape--positively or negatively--allows us to focus on a person’s real value and worth.

JOURNAL: How difficult was it to avoid fat talk?

As difficult as the exercise challenge was for me today, this one was as simple. This is something I have been aware of in myself for awhile so I have made a real effort to curb it. I did notice that in a Christmas movie I was watching I had a "fat thought," though and so I know it is still a very real feeling that could lead to the behavior. The actress put on a beautiful dress and I had that thought of, "wouldn't it be nice..." I will continue to be aware of these thoughts and try my best to avoid them. I'm am certain I would not have noticed this negative thought if not for this activity.

Tomorrow is a no media day. I will copy in my thoughts on Wednesday.