My Birthday Wish

So Today is my 26^th Birthday. I have successfully managed to survive 26 years of life, which when you think about how fragile life is, really is an achievement. For me, this puts a whole new spin on celebrating birthdays. 

Yes people give cards, gifts and come together to celebrate the day you were brought safely into this world, but in a way, to also acknowledge the fact that despite the odds stacked against you every single day of your life, you are still here. Healthy and hopefully happy.

That got me thinking, life is unpredictable often challenging and it can be cut short in a split second and then that’s it. 

I currently have my health, which I am very grateful for yes, but can I put my hand on my heart and say I have my happiness too? Sometimes. And im ashamed to say that the things I perhaps don’t feel happy about, are the least important in the grand scheme of life. 

I opened my twitter feed this morning and whilst reading peoples tweets I was astounded (but not surprised) to read about the number of people tweeting about their dissatisfaction with their bodies. 

‘’The diet starts today’’, ‘’Anybody tried the Dukan Diet?’’, ‘’Competitive dieting just isn’t working for me’’, ‘’10lbs down, 5 more to go’’, ‘’shouldn’t have had that bacon sarnie this morning #guilty’’, ‘need to get down the gym asap,’’ ‘’any tips for getting your body bikini ready.’’ The list goes on, and on, and on.

Given that we only live once (well, so some of us believe) why are we frittering our lives away worrying about such unimportant, superficial nonsense such as our weight and body shape?

I feel a bit of a fraud writing that question as I am currently battling my own personal, evil, deep seated, unhealthy, body image demons every single day with the help of my family and my friends. But this battle, as hard as it is, has begun to make me look at things a little differently.

Ok so your not a size 0, 6, 8 or a 10. So what? You have cellulite and wobbly bits. And? You get a bloated tummy after a big meal and find the buttons on your jeans stretching to breaking point. Who cares?

It doesn’t matter! Your body does not make you, you. Your personality, your character, your being, your love, your soul is who you are. Everything else is just ‘stuff’. 

We only get one shot at this life, why waste it worrying, being unhappy, feeling unsatisfied, feeling insecure?

The world is full of people of all different shapes and sizes and how boring would it be if we were all the same.

If you have your health, you are blessed. There are many that don’t. 

I would love, for just one day in the entire year, to see twitter statements, facebook comments, texts, phone calls and conversations centered around people embracing who they are and being able to feel happy with themselves. 

Put down your gossip magazines with articles on ‘best bikini bodies’, ‘top tips for losing weight fast’ and ‘celebs who gain 10lbs’. Close your diet books telling you to avoid carbs, sugar, wheat, caffeine, dairy, grains, ok EVERYTHING! Get off those bathroom scales and put them away. Stop comparing yourself unfavorably to every other person you see. Step away from the slimming counter in boots.

Now go and stand in front of your mirror and look at what a miracle you are. Smile. Give yourself a break and try with everything you’ve got, to be happy with who you are.Everyone deserves to be happy. x

Cheers! Here's to you