https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:25:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-619385 Mon, 14 May 2012 14:22:53 +0000 transition 619385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't mind it if only I could not look pregnant when I haven't been pregnant for almost two years! I really don't like explaining to strangers and acquaintances alike that I'm not expecting any more! And I feel trapped because one doctor says I'm not overweight and another says not even exercise will help.</p> <p>I'm here to learn to dress the body I now have. . . and having my kids was the best thing I've ever done and my body could ever do . . . but I admit to deep sadness and even hiding from others just so I don't have to answer the dreaded question "When are you due?" or even hear a simple "congratulations."</p> <p>I don't know anyone else who struggles with this, so I feel quite alone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-604589 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:25:18 +0000 citygirldc 604589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always had a love/hate relationship with my body. My 20s were full of insecurities and blamed my weight for everything that was wrong with my life. In my 30s, I got married, the went through medical procedures which led to my weight gain so it was easy to blame that and used food as an outlet. </p> <p>I finally took control about 3 years ago and started exercising more and eating better. Now at 42, I can say I look and feel better than I have since my mid 20s to late 30s. Yes, there are still things I wish I could change but for now, I'm loving wearing my size 2s which I never wore since I was 16. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-604260 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:13:15 +0000 Meredith1953 604260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's so great to hear how all of you feel about your bodies! I won't say I hated my body but I spent a lot of my younger life wishing I was blond haired, blued eyed, tall, slim and with a tan. Of course I am none of those things. I actually love my body (since it is the only one I will get to have) but have learned as I get older to "like" it also. I also think that at 58 maybe I look better now then I did when I was younger. Anyway. There are days when I like it better and days when I like it less but the positive feelings outweigh the negative. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-604043 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:19:32 +0000 Patty 604043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Let me look............eih...don't have the energy to complain anymore for stuff below the neck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-604036 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:08:19 +0000 rachylou 604036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do. I have a good shape. LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603625 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:05:41 +0000 ManidipaM 603625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've certainly had body image issues for many years in terms of size, shape and length as well as colour and hair... pretty much everything the 'societal norm' can throw at us. Now I've added achey joints and (thank you, MaryK) sharpei tummy and frizzle-frazzled hair!</p> <p>But like Una said: "I am a proud feminist [It's a current term where I am!]... and I have a well-defined intellectual awareness of the misogynistic underpinnings of our society and culture when it comes to female body image, and I do my best to overcome it rationally. But it is a constant struggle to fight that irrational fear and self-deprecation."</p> <p>I'm still not at the point where I can say I actually like certain features of my physique. I'm always stumped when people say 'draw attention to your best features'. I have no idea what that might be, because I truly find it hard to stop criticizing when I'm alone with my mirror, no clothes between us. :-(</p> <p>HOWEVER, my relationship with my body these days at least is a positive one on the whole. I'm not fussed too much about changing it, though I'm aiming for higher fitness levels --- but that's like learning a new skill, like trying to swim, and not the desperation to lose those last 10 kilos or smother the stretch marks or scrub myself raw, which plagued me in younger years. It's like my relationship with my best friends--know them well enough and long enough to have a catalogue of their flaws, but can't help loving them! I love how I feel in my body these days and I love what it can do (heal, not fall sick in the first place, get me places, make things that people like etc) and that is already a giant improvement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603586 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:44:13 +0000 Kiwichik 603586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to add a little something that really resonated with me in terms of attitude to self &amp; body view. It's a poem by Maya Angelou entitled Phenonenal Woman:</p> <p>Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.<br /> I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size<br /> But when I start to tell them,<br /> They think I'm telling lies.<br /> I say,<br /> It's in the reach of my arms<br /> The span of my hips,<br /> The stride of my step,<br /> The curl of my lips.<br /> I'm a woman<br /> Phenomenally.<br /> Phenomenal woman,<br /> That's me.</p> <p>I walk into a room<br /> Just as cool as you please,<br /> And to a man,<br /> The fellows stand or<br /> Fall down on their knees.<br /> Then they swarm around me,<br /> A hive of honey bees.<br /> I say,<br /> It's the fire in my eyes,<br /> And the flash of my teeth,<br /> The swing in my waist,<br /> And the joy in my feet.<br /> I'm a woman<br /> Phenomenally.<br /> Phenomenal woman,<br /> That's me.</p> <p>Men themselves have wondered<br /> What they see in me.<br /> They try so much<br /> But they can't touch<br /> My inner mystery.<br /> When I try to show them<br /> They say they still can't see.<br /> I say,<br /> It's in the arch of my back,<br /> The sun of my smile,<br /> The ride of my breasts,<br /> The grace of my style.<br /> I'm a woman</p> <p>Phenomenally.<br /> Phenomenal woman,<br /> That's me.</p> <p>Now you understand<br /> Just why my head's not bowed.<br /> I don't shout or jump about<br /> Or have to talk real loud.<br /> When you see me passing<br /> It ought to make you proud.<br /> I say,<br /> It's in the click of my heels,<br /> The bend of my hair,<br /> the palm of my hand,<br /> The need of my care,<br /> 'Cause I'm a woman<br /> Phenomenally.<br /> Phenomenal woman,<br /> That's me.<br /> Maya Angelou </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603565 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:20:01 +0000 cciele 603565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So great to hear that you love and appreciate your bodies! But to be honest, I've never loved my body. The best I can do is accept that it's there. And with age and bad joints, I feel let down by my body and I can't fully participate in physical activities I enjoy anymore (walking, yoga, martial arts, dancing, etc.). I'm trying to work out more and strengthen my knees, but at this point everything except swimming is hard on my knees, and I don't like to swim. Anyhow, hopefully I will move beyond this point and come to love my body as much as so many of you love your own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603553 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:55:40 +0000 RandomThoughts (Andrea) 603553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very hard on myself and I tend to nitpick my body. There are plenty of things I dislike about it and would change, but honestly most of that could be solved relatively easily if I got off my duff and exercised! Still for 42, it's pretty good!</p> <p>My body has served me very well. I'm healthy, I feel good most of the time and I have done all sorts of things to it and put all sorts of things in it. I am down on myself a lot but (when I am not in one of my funks, at least) I do love my body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603546 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:35:49 +0000 Elly 603546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love my body. I'm really lucky not to have gotten sucked into the body insecurities as a teen-- I had my moments but have pretty much always loved my body. I'm another one who loves to be active and am really impressed with what my body can do.</p> <p>When I don't love my body it is usually a wake up call that something else is not going right in my life and things are bad, rather than actual hate for my body. I've realized this and it helps keep the niggling dressing room stuff and occasional bad lighting or bad clothing cellulite or created love handles moments at bay. But even when I'm quite round, I love myself and respect myself, or try to. </p> <p>The hardest part for me body-wise has been adjusting to changes and all the craziness with being ill. When it seems like your body can't cooperate it gets hard to love it. But it is extra important to take care of myself, and with a bad past relationship out of the picture I care much more for myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603523 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:32:02 +0000 Lyn D. 603523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is wonderful to read that so many of us are happy with our bodies whilst we live in such a critical society.<br /> I am at peace with my body now but this has taken until middle age to come about. Even in my early forties I dabbled in cosmetic surgery despite the fact that no-one who really cares about me noticed or shared my concerns!<br /> When my Dad passed away from cancer last year I realised how much more important being well and showing respect for myself by dressing to my best advantage was than trying to be 'perfect' etc.<br /> Thanks for the opportunity to talk about a very personal issue and to hear all your positive responses! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603513 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:03:59 +0000 Janet 603513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly? I'm working on it. I'm not sure I'm completely there. Some days more than others. I spent a lot of years beating myself up, so I've come a long way to the point where I am now, where I can say I *like* my body. There are traits I do love, and some that continue to bother me (about 99% of them fall between my waist and my knees ). But my feelings about my body are increasingly based on what I am able to do and appreciation for my health, rather than simply what it looks like. But I think it is a good sign that I wouldn't really want to trade with anyone else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603512 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:03:56 +0000 lamireille 603512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have cellulite, no breasts whatsoever, a menobelly, a big Kardashian butt, flat feet, a big nose, and uncontrollably frizzy hair.</p> <p>And I love my body! Just as for life in general--it doesn't have to be perfect to be good! And it has been very, very good to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603432 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:52:41 +0000 Suz 603432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me. </p> <p>At twenty, I could not have said that. Then, I was semi-obsessed with imagined imperfections. And—to be fair to the young girl I was—back then it was even tougher to find clothing that fit non-rectangular bodies, so no wonder I blamed myself rather than the clothes. </p> <p>But now? It's not just that I feel happy with my body. I feel EMBODIED. I mean, my body is not some disconnected thing - it is me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603422 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:38:56 +0000 nancylee 603422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've actually always felt pretty good about my body. Exercise and taking good care of my body (not smoking, healthy eating, massages, yoga, etc.) are woven into the way I live, and at age 50 I'm SO grateful that I've taken good care of myself all these years. It has really paid off in good health, which is far more important than any number on a scale or dress size.</p> <p>That said, the aging process is a bit of a bummer. I've been looking at my aging neck lately and wondering--for the first time ever--if someday I'll want a little nip/tuck, but most days I just shrug it off and accept that it's just part of life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603401 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:19:11 +0000 Angie 603401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOVE hearing your body love. </p> <p>*applause* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body/page/2#post-603396 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:13:03 +0000 Jaime 603396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread. I identified with Jonesy's comment as I am absolutely a past abuser of my body. My first pregnancy (and the time leading up to it) began the big switch into a health appreciator instead of scoffer. I try to take good care of myself now so that I can do the things I want to do, and also so I can keep up with my kids. Nonetheless, I do have my areas of dissatisfaction and can certainly think of any number of things I would change. I guess I feel good about my body and also dissatisfied at the same time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603395 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:10:05 +0000 Sylvie 603395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel pretty good about mine.</p> <p>My body is competent, healthy and strong. I rarely get sick and I heal fast. I am not fast and I lift wimpy weights but I have endurance. I never worry that "x" physical activity will injure my body. I am lucky.</p> <p>My body is not perfect and I would like to lose some weight. Yet I can walk into a store and find clothes that fit and look good. I am within the societally approved weight for my height and therefore do not get taunted or ignored. I am lucky.</p> <p>I no longer have the perfect complexion and hair of my youth. I go barefaced 99% of the time and cut my hair 1x/year. Despite this lack of attention to grooming, I still look attractive to myself and my husband. I am lucky.</p> <p>Also, I really love my arms, calves and shoulders and wouldn't trade them with anyone else.</p> <p>(It goes without saying that I have my moments of body dislike/negative comparison to others but I'm trying to focus on the positive here) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603382 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:51:39 +0000 Deborah 603382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awesome thread IK. I love Classically Casuals comment that "for a disposable earth suit, mine is serving me extremely well"! CC I second that thought.</p> <p>I would say I am very happy with my body. It is far from perfect but it's mine and for the most part it works well:). In recent years I have become very focussed on eating well to maintain good health as opposed to worrying about my weight. I am conscious of maintaining a healthy weight but not for vanity reasons. </p> <p>I haven't really exercised for quite some time, but that's the next step for me. DH is awaiting test results to see if he has Type 2 Diabetes and this will mark some changes in our family diet as well (regardless of if he has it or not).</p> <p>Of course I have had times of feeling inadequate and quite dissatisfied when I realize that the 6ft slim model I picture in my head is actually a 5"1, hourglass in reality lol but I can honestly say it's been a long time since I felt that way.</p> <p>I may be going a little of on a tangent, but the truth is I am so grateful for the blessings in my life that I can no longer bring myself to complain about my body no matter how imperfect it may be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603359 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:32:50 +0000 Isabel 603359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, what a great topic !!! ME !!! I have a deep contentment with my body. Sometimes love, some times frustration, but overall contentment. It has done a lot for for me. It has given me two children, my hands have held the hands of an elderly woman who fell off the sidewalk, was bleeding and was alone with a couple of police officers waiting for an ambulance, my legs and arms have helped lift a car off a teenager after it flipped while she was speeding ( along with 6 men ) . My vocal chords have helped interpret for people in emergency situations, I have done 11 26 mile walks to raise money for food pantries....I am not trying to brag, I am just being so grateful for the things that this imperfect body has done. It has done ok and will continue to do so.</p> <p>All this despite the fact that I am lopsided, have a crooked leg, huge feet, big belly and went up 6 sizes in the last 4 months. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603341 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:10:01 +0000 Chrizzle 603341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've realized that most of what I've posted here on YLF includes at least one complaint/whine about what I can't wear because of one imperfect body part or another. I really don't feel as bad about my body as those posts make it seem. Most days when I get dressed to go to work I think I look pretty good. </p> <p>Now I've got to go get dressed for a date night with my husband (out to dinner then to see Esperanza Spalding in concert) which will be a real boost to my ego, because he thinks I always look good, and when I make even a little extra effort his response is most gratifying! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603323 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:59:41 +0000 Velma 603323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At soon-to-be 44, I think I have finally arrived at "I am what I am." My body has excellent and not-so-good points, but overall, I'm happy, and I no longer think of "my body" as separate from "me." </p> <p>I have celiac disease. There have been times in my adult life (especially in my 20s), when I was extremely slim and (oddly) raking in compliments--but actually quite ill and miserable and barely functioning. That disjuncture between my appearance and my health did NOT feel good. So to heck with that! Now I focus on my health and long-term sustainability in the choices I make (how I eat, what I put on my skin, and so on), and try not to sweat the small stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603314 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:55:05 +0000 missvee 603314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to say I'm happy with my body just the way it is. I'm lucky to be healthy and fit, I can take part in the sports I like, and for the most part I can buy clothes that flatter me without too much trouble. That being said, if the cellulite fairy came around and wanted some back, I would happily oblige! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603232 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:51:47 +0000 krishnidoux 603232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, Jonesy and MsMaven have phrased it so well! I share their experience.<br /> But at the end of the day, I have to say that I love my body the way it is. </p> <p>In the course of my life I have been through phase of not loving my body, not treating it well as a result and foolishly thinking it would look better for it. It didn't, of course. </p> <p>Only when I started to love and appreciate my body did it start to change, to bloom if you will. With nice, unexpected surprises too. </p> <p>I have often fantasised over what it would be like to suddenly, magically, be transplanted into another's body and vice-versa (like the movie Freaky Friday). How would it feel? Maybe it would hurt. Or, reversely, it would be an immense relief of some pain up to then never known. How would I move if my hips were larger, my legs longer? Maybe I wouldn't be able to curl up into my chair like I love doing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603171 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:28:29 +0000 Laurinda 603171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ME!</p> <p>Sure I could tweak a bit here or there but overall I am happy being big and curvy.</p> <p>Cue the James Brown: "I feel good!"</p> <p>Hugs &gt;&gt; ((Biscuitsmom)) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603147 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:05:04 +0000 biscuitsmom 603147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sadly, I can say there isnt a single feature I like, yet I am very grateful for the ability to move and walk normally (having not been able to take a normal size step for nearly a year) although if I go more than a block, I need my walker. Im so self-conscious of it I hate to go out in public with it. My hip, knee and back issues prevent me from doing anything but 'armchair exersizing' so Im about 40-50 lbs heavier than I should be Im really trying to dress to feel better about my looks, but its so hard. I know it goes hand in hand with feeling better, but I feel like Im hanging on by my fingertips </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603128 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:36:28 +0000 Classically Casual 603128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Ms Maven's comments totally. For a disposable "earth suit", mine is serving me extremely well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603115 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:24:11 +0000 Kiwichik 603115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a strange thing. I think I feel better about my body now I'm nearing 50 &amp; nearly 50 lbs heavier than in my 30s. There are still things I feel self conscious about but overall I'm happy with my body &amp; how I look. I like the functionlity of my body - I can still play sports &amp; I regularly do yoga &amp; go for walks. I see dressing well as a kind of cool challenge to see if I can make myself look attractive to others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603108 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:15:40 +0000 Marie 603108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good topic post :)</p> <p>Yes, I love my body - flaws &amp; all. With age, I've "put a little gratitude in my attitude" &amp; no longer covet what I don't have. One of my BFFs has leukemia (age 51) &amp; is fighting for her life. She "had" the most gorgeous natural blonde wavy hair that we all envied. She is still beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/maybe-ot-who-here-feels-good-about-their-body#post-603106 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:14:50 +0000 Transcona Shannon 603106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be completely honest, it depends on the day. I can go for loving my body to being repulsed by it. But, the "not loving" days are getting fewer and farther between. </p>