I was in a dance class yesterday when the person in front of me took off her top. I looked at her and caught myself having a jealous moment: “I wish I felt comfortable enough to exercise in a sports bra”.
But then I realised something, this is very different to a thought I would’ve had even a year ago. Instead of being jealous of her body or even thinking “I wish I could wear just a sports bra”, I had changed because I knew that at my size and with my scars, I COULD wear one! But at the moment, I don’t feel comfortable enough to dance in one. AND THAT’S OKAY.
Exercise is one of my favourite things to do and I didn’t want that to be ruined by focusing on my appearance the whole session.. and that is what I would do if I was in a sports bra.
Do you see the difference between thinking that you can’t wear one and you don’t feel comfortable to wear one? That’s growth, that’s change! It’s a small success and it’s exactly what I talk about celebrating.
That realisation transformed a jealous moment into one of joy and pride, and then I went back to being present in my dance class and enjoying it!
Being body positive is not about being perfect or always having positive thoughts, it’s about catching the negative ones and transforming them by noticing the good.
Regardless of whether I am exercising in a sports bra or just a top, I am equally as powerful in the gym and I am stronger than I have ever been AND that is what is important. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and conquer the world in that outfit!
Both the sports bra and top are from the wonderful @swimsuitsforall , thank you for providing clothes that make me feel beautiful in the gym (and the pool!)