The Wrong Message

It's no secret that we have become a society obsessed with image.  I am also guilty of it.  I have been obsessed with my body image for years.  I always wanted to be skinnier to fit into the tiny clothes and have people comment on how skinny I am.

Thank goodness my thoughts have changed and I'm no longer wishing for a skinnier body. I am now okay with not being in a certain size but I'd rather be healthy and have a stronger body.  I am always amazed at the things that I have been able to do with some hard work and determination.

It's sad that many people will go to any length to be that shape or size that they believe is perfect.

There is no perfect, folks. Every size is beautiful. 

No, society and some companies won't tell you that but it's true.  We need to change the way we think.  We need to start telling our young daughters that it's okay if you aren't wearing a size 2.  It's okay if you are wearing a size 12. The bottom line is, you need to be healthy. It's true that as your weight or size increases, you are more likely to have health problems which is why health and fitness is important.  The scale is not.

Go to a mirror and really look at yourself. Find the things about your image that you like.  Go on, do it. There is so much about you that is great and beautiful.  Inside and out.

Your image does not define you. You are more than your size.

I have noticed that some people who are working for "health and fitness" companies are trying to find customers in prom goers.  They are advertising to teen girls to "be skinny and beautiful for your big night."  NO!  That is the last thing that teenage girls need to hear.  When they put on their gowns or dresses and have their hair and makeup done, they are enhancing the beauty they already have.  They don't need a magic lotion, gel or wrap to be beautiful.  It's the wrong message. Every single time I see the ads, it infuriates me. We cannot send this message to kids that being skinny equals being perfect or beautiful.

Of course I workout daily.  Of course I want to be as fit as I can be.  Am I trying to be perfect?  Nope.  There is no perfect.  Even the skinniest girls, the most beautiful girls have problems.  We are human.  We are imperfect in many ways but that's okay.

I hate to see companies that are perpetuating an image of perfection appeal to young girls.  Instead, these girls need a positive image to follow. One that encourages healthy eating, daily exercise (even if only for 30 minutes a day) and a big smile on their face.

What is Your Word? A Review and Giveaway!

UPDATED: WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!!

When I began running and working out more, I struggled.  I would get out on the road and start and I'd have to stop after awhile because I just didn't have the endurance or stamina to keep going.  The advantage to running outside was that I could use visuals to continue on by saying to myself, okay just run to that telephone pole, then that green mailbox, just make it to the top of that hill, etc.

 It actually worked for me and I began running farther and was able to keep going.  However, just those small goals weren't quite enough, I began having to talk to myself out loud.  Some things I would say, you can do this, how bad do you want to fit into your clothes that are too tight and my personal motto, you are worth this!

I was online one day and came across a site that was promoting a company that carries merchandise that is perfect for those that need the motivation to get their workouts in and keep going. Endorphin Warrior is an online company that can provide you with those words of encouragement when you need it most. 

They carry bracelets, rings, shirts, hats and even keyrings.  There are plenty of words or phrases to choose from.  I had a hard time deciding which word I wanted to receive because they are all perfect. I could see that most of the words would inspire me to just keep moving forward.  I chose "Unbreakable" for my bracelet because when I don't feel like working out or I am hurting physically, I push myself to do it.  When life has me stressed out, worn out and feeling down, I just push myself to keep doing it. Here is a photo of my bracelet:

I absolutely love it! It is comfortable, fashionable and lightweight.  It fits great on my wrist and to ensure that everyone can wear theirs, they tell you how to measure your wrist for the bracelets.  I have small wrists so initially, that was something I was worried about.  I didn't want to have a bracelet that was always moving up and down my arm or nearly falling off.  This is just perfect.

I have been wearing my bracelet daily for a week and have had no issues at all. It has a snap closure so it is easy to get off and on. 

Endorphin Warrior is also encouraging young kids to run and get physically active by donating $1 from every order in March to support a local youth running club for lower-income kids!  My 12 year old son participates in a school running club so I love that this company is giving back to the community! 

Also, during the month of March, they are giving customers a FREE dog tag/key ring to anyone who places an order on their website!

Would you like to get your hands on your very own Warrior Training Bracelet with the word or phrase of your choice?! I thought so.....here is your chance! The folks at Endorphin Warrior and I are working together to give one of my readers their very own bracelet!  Make sure you check out the details below for your chance!

The Giveaway Details:
For your entry into the giveaway, please follow the directions below. I will use Random.org to draw a winner.  The giveaway will end on March 31st so be sure to enter today! Please make sure you comment for the mandatory entry.  On March 31st, a winner will be chosen and an email will be sent to get your shipping information along with your wrist measurement and keyword or phrase choice. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Thank you for entering, be sure to spread the word!

Mandatory Entry:  Please leave a comment on this post telling me which keyword or phrase you would like to receive. Feel free to tell me why also.

Additional Entries:

Like Endorphin Warrior on Facebook by clicking here and come back and let me know you did.

Follow Endorphin Warrior on Twitter here and come back and let me know you did.

Like Rediscovering Me on Facebook here and come back and let me know you did.

Subscribe to The Balance of Us either in the RSS feed or through Google Friend Connect, the links are on the right sidebar. Come back and let me know you did.

Tweet about this giveaway, you can tweet about the giveaway and come back and leave a comment with the link to your tweet.

An example of a tweet:

"I just entered to win an Endorphin Warrior Training Bracelet at http://thebalanceofus.blogspot.com, you should check it out!"
 

AND THE WINNER IS...... COMMENT #23 ASHLEY MCLURE!  YOU ARE MY WINNER, I EMAILED YOU, PLEASE RESPOND WITH YOUR ADDRESS, WORD AND BRACELET SIZE SO I CAN LET ENDORPHIN WARRIOR KNOW AND THEY WILL GET YOUR BRACELET OUT TO YOU!!

 

Good luck!!!

Disclaimer: I received an Endorphin Warrior Training Bracelet for reveiw and the winner of this giveaway will receive one as well. I was not compensated monetarily for my opinions and the opinions are my own.  I really do love this product and encourage my readers to get one for themselves.