I got into an interesting conversation on Twitter a few days ago after talking about #fityear.
Someone was saying that hearing other people talk about health and fitness was damaging to those that have a bad body image.
I find reading about peoples weight loss stories or stories of how they ran a marathon inspiring 80% of the time. It makes me think I could do that myself and gives me the encouragement to start planning and making steps to do so.
There are times when it it does make me feel like rubbish. Those days where I’m on the sofa all day eating crap and feeling rubbish, then someone comes along talking about how they’ve lost 5lbs this week. I feel terrible about it. But just because I’ve mad bad choices that day, does that mean that everyone else should stop posting their successes online incase they make me feel bad?
I don’t think so. Not at all.
It seems we live in a society where everyone gets offended at everything. Things that are nothing to do with them become personal digs and we’re expected to walk on egg shells because we don’t want to upset or trigger other people.
It’s all just got a bit out of hand.
I understand the difference between what is offensive and what is not. Like, there is a clear difference between fat shaming and celebrating weight loss or a gym session.
We live in a world where we allow external factors to control our feelings and then blame everyone but ourselves. Of course, it might not be our fault, but we can’t prevent other people doing what makes them happy because it reminds us of our flaws and makes us sad. You have to learn to deal with it either by accepting who you are or deciding to change those things you’re not happy with.
We all have the power take control of our lives. Some people find it harder than others, but we should be encouraging people not bashing others for doing well.
Have you ever come across this?
Yes I completely agree and society has become way too sensitive. I love hearing about other people’s fitness posts. It makes me feel like we are on a common journey of self improvement and all in it together. I like to share my achievements, not because I think I’m particularly great, but because showing progress demonstrates how much can be achieved if you want it enough!
This is going to sound silly, but whenever I see on IG peoples weight loss pictures, or read their awesome stories, it amps me up more, you know? Like, hey, if this everyday person can lose weight, I can too! In fact I’m probably the opposite to you, that I purposely seek this stuff out when I’m having a down day because it amps me up. Gets me motivated for the next day.
Heres what I think: If people get offended by something, block the tag, or just skim past it. There are way bigger issues out there to be triggered by, and people celebrating their success isn’t one of them.
Oh I hate that kind of mentality. I am someone who will regularly post about fitness and my achievements and stuff… 9 times out of 10 it’s because I feel really proud of myself and you know, it’s nice to get people’s thoughts on that. I do sometimes get a little bit down seeing others hitting goals that I’m struggling with, but then it also motivates me and I do feel chuffed for them! I guess it depends on the person… In any case, I won’t stop posting my updates 😀