Real Women...

• Are not perfect


• Eat when they are hungry


• Love, laugh, sing and dance


• Thank their body for what it can do, not attack it for what it may lack


• Are not defined by the scale


• Embrace their bodies - flaws and all


• Take risks


• Try, fail and try again 


• Do not compare themselves to celebrities and skewed media images  


• Stand up to their fears


• Get messy 


• Honor their bodies


• Are willing to say yes but are also willing to say no 


• Eat dessert (hello full fat Blue Bell)


• Strive for balance


• Tell ED (or any unhealthy voice) to shove it 


• Go to therapy


• Ask for help


• Serve others


• Show kindness to others but realize they cannot please everyone, all the time 


• Embrace life


• Reflect on past mistakes 


• Realize they are worth more than a jean size


• Eat carbs..yummy delicious carbs (Carrabba's anyone?)


• Pray for healing


• Put the measuring cups away 


• Find joy in their imperfections


• Share their struggles


• Give up control (or as many say "Let Go and Let God")


• Experiment with their food


• Pray, watch, listen and pray some more  


• Enjoy eating out


• Exercise for health, not just calorie burn


• Have curves (bye bye middle school bod)


• Call their family


• Are not threatened by constructive criticism 


• Call their friends


• Give themselves permission to relax  


• Realize that life would be pretty darn boring if we all were exact replicas of each other


• Are a work in progress


• Encourage others 


• Laugh at themselves


• Take time to slow down and enjoy little moments 


• Love Jesus 

The list above was originally developed during my initial ED recovery although over time I have added "real women" thoughts that I find encouraging. 

Based on your life experiences, what would you add to this list? 

Please do share in the comments. 

Enjoy your weekend!