What you like about me v what I like about me

Everybody loves a compliment. Put the false modesty away folks. You know there is a little extra spring in your step, when someone expresses pleasure in something about you or the way you do things. I’m sure even Mother Theresa had a smile on her face when complimented. Taking a compliment and feeling a sense of happiness at that is not a bad thing.  Today during boxing I got two compliments in the first ten minutes of class.

Before class started a girl I see on a regular basis said, “Wow, I can totally see the weight loss on you. You’re toning too!” I couldn’t help, but gush. “Thank you!” I exclaimed with a giant grin on my face. Tucking that compliment in my side pocket I was ready to take on my kick butt class.

Then Dorian, my boxing instructor, came up to me to demonstrate bobbing and weaving. “Girl, you should be teaching this class! You got it,” he high-fived me. Another even bigger grin took over my entire face. I felt a sense of accomplishment and growth take over. I put that compliment in my other side pocket and battled through the grueling 60 minute class in the 90 degree boxing gym.

After class I thought about compliments. They are such splendid feedback on any journey. However, I wondered which type of compliment carried more weight for me? Was looking good to others more important than demonstrating growth and development?

Of course, looking good is a part of this. Everyone wants to put on an outfit and feel attractive. I love the idea of having the ability to shop in all stores even the evil Abercrombie and Fitch (although, I will NEVER shop there) or putting on a lovely black dress for a dinner out with Liam and having no pieces of squish popping out!  Heck I want to be able to look at myself naked in a mirror and say, "dang!"

Looking good for me is a byproduct of this journey, though, because I already see myself as beautiful.  The most important thing for me is the ability to see growth and development in my fitness/health levels. Seeing change in my flexibility, endurance, strength, balance, and agility carries me throw to my ultimate goal of enjoying overall good health.

I add one more dimension to the discussion of compliments. Was it more important for me to find validation from others or myself? How much should compliments hold sway on my sense of self accomplishment during this journey? Shouldn’t I be the first to recognize my growth? Isn’t it up to me to tell myself how good I look or how strong my abilities are?

Placing too much importance on compliments from others can weaken one’s growth. Compliments are like the sprinkles on a sundae or extra 10% off that already rock bottom sales price! They are a lovely thing, but we must first look to ourselves for feedback, support, cheer, and guidance. We have to be our number one cheerleader.

That’s why each day I find one thing I like about myself and make sure I tell myself that. I look for ways I look good, characteristics that I like, or abilities I have to compliment myself on. This ensures that no matter the distance between external compliments I am engaging in self-validation and love.

This journey is the deepest expression of love I have for myself. I am getting healthy for me. It will allow me to do so much for others and be around longer for my loved ones. However, let’s not fool ourselves. Getting healthy is truly selfish.  We do this to feel, look, and be the best version of ourselves. While we navigate that path, let’s remind ourselves of how well we’re doing on this journey. After all, nobody likes a negative Nancy for a backseat driver!

Today’s Meals:

• Breakfast – Bowl of Cereal, Banana, Glass of Chocolate Almond Milk

• Lunch – Two mini low fat bean burritos

• Dinner – PB&J on Wheat Bread

• Snacks – Single serving of goldfish crackers, orange, two caramels

Today’s Exercise:

• 60 minute low impact walk

• 60 minute high-impact boxing class

• 20 minute swim (20 laps)

Today’s Treat:

• 20 minute soak in the hot tub after boxing/swimming

Today’s what I like about me:

• My cheerleader behavior. I tend to be very supportive. It game out during boxing, when I was cheering some of my classmates on during drills. They wanted to give up, but I wanted let them. This also kept me going strong during the class.