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Body Gratitude thread!

Anonymous

Looking for 100% participation here

We judge ourselves so harshly, but our looks, health status, and everything else are subject to change. I want people to feel good about themselves, in this moment, not a past or future "ideal".

So-this thread is for body Gratitude. Not for what it looks like, but what it can Do.

The rules are simple-find something about your body you're grateful for that is not related to what it looks like. Examples: my body bore a healthy baby, recovered from illness, don't have chronic illness, etc. Have gratitude for all the things everyone else said (as applicable) and add a new one!

To get started:
I have gratitude for my lungs, because I have been able to train them to run. I would have never thought it possible a year ago, or even 6 months, but I ran 3 miles, with only a few minutes of walking. It may be less than many can do, but huge for me.

Your turn!

General

48 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

StyleDetective

What a brilliant thread!! And congratulations on your running progress, that is an awesome improvement in ability.

For me, I'm grateful that my body is able to practice yoga. Yoga helps bring me in to balance and my studio is the most loving and supportive place. I'm so grateful my body allows me to practice there regularly.

On a basic level, I'm grateful my body allows me to work, so I can hopefully soon buy my first apartment, travel overseas, and of course acquire pretty things to feather my wardrobe

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Stolen from Facebook

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Anonymous

Better than the organs on the outside! Thought a baby was born like that recently

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am thankful that, eight years ago, at the age of 46, I managed to start running, even though I never ran before, and completed several half marathons and other events. And that I also later completed a couple of century bike rides and a bike tour 500 miles across an entire state.

I had a visit to the ER a couple of nights ago*, so I’m thankful nothing serious was wrong and I am healthy and able to do all the things I do — hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, etc. I’m thankful that I’ve — so far — managed to avoid any serious illness or injury, and bounce back quickly from any physical setbacks. I am thoroughly aware that at almost 54, I may not be so lucky in the future, so I appreciate it now all I can.

(*I had palpitations and apparently a panic attack, even though I am not particularly under stress at the moment - they did EKG, chest X-ray, bloodwork, etc, all “perfect” according to the doctor, so even though I am a bit mystified why this happened, I am thankful there doesn’t seem to be anything underlying the episode.)

Becky

Veteran

I'm thankful my body is strong and healthy. My health and stamina do not prevent me from being able to do the activities I choose to do. I enjoy the gift of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am healthy, able to walk long distances without pain, able to practice yoga and stay sane. Ha! that rhymes. I am also able to laugh at myself!

Toban

Veteran

Awesome about your running, suntiger! That’s quite an accomplishment in a short time.

I am in awe of what our bodies can do and persevere through, and it’s ability to repair and heal. I am fascinated by epic endurance events and how it takes aerobic fitness, muscular strength and mental grit to accomplish.

Anonymous

I am happy that I can walk normally and so far do not have joint pain or any of the problems that can result from diabetes. I can lift my arms and bend my knees. I am happy for the body parts I still have and that still work.

DonnaF

Veteran

I am grateful that my scleroderma has held nearly steady for nearly two decades (and that I won't have to be fingerprinted again for the State Bar since my claw like hands really don't fingerprint).

feisty

This is a great thread! I'm grateful that I was born with two healthy and functioning kidneys. Twenty years ago I was able to donate one to my then 2 year old daughter; I'm happy to say she is doing amazingly well

StyleDetective

Wow, feisty, what an amazing story. Your body allowed you to give life to your daughter twice over. Something to be grateful for indeed.

Windchime

Veteran

Wonderful idea!

I’m grateful that I have enough fine motor coordination to master playing keyboard instruments. Doing so has given me untold amounts of joy throughout almost my entire life. I’m also grateful for basically very good health. A lot of people my age already have chronic, and sometimes serious, health issues.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YOU ROCK, Suntiger.

LOVING your incredible bodies, ladies. I’m impressed.

*group hug*

I have tremendous gratitude for my high levels of energy. I lead a very busy and full life without much sleep, and am able to keep on going quite happily. And laugh a lot too! High fiving, Jaime.

Also grateful that my very fussy feet can walk with the best of them. Soon to be quite carless and very excited.

shiny

Veteran

I'm grateful that my extra menopausal fat is plumping out my wrinkles, and that it opens up more clothing options as I don't necessarily need petites for things like tops. I'm also overall grateful for menopause, as I don't have a whole slew of roller coaster symptoms from that anymore. I'm grateful that I'm moving into a new phase of life, not dictated so much by hormonal whims and swings. I'm finally understanding my mom when she said it was a relief not to worry about all that bodily stuff (she felt invisible) and could instead concentrate on other things like the plot going around her without her being a main character in the drama.

I know on the surface that sounds like it's not in the spirit of your intention with this thread. I totally 100% get your intention -- I raised my kids telling them it's not what your body looks like it's what it can do. That was back when I could train for marathons too.

It's just that as you get older and/or run into health issues that thwart your exercise progress, you begin to appreciate all the silver linings, and there are many! You just have to look for the silver linings. Which is why I love this thread!

No matter what your health or age or whatever, life is a gift.

taylor

Veteran

I am incredibly grateful that at my age (I’ll be 62) that I take no meds, I have no mobility problems, delivered 2 BIG healthy babies , I have never had a surgery , I have no chronic health problems, I can run , stoop, play on the ground with my grandchildren, laugh at myself, make others laugh,.....and can still walk airports and shopping malls in high heels....now that’s something apparently

Tanya

Veteran

I am very grateful that my body managed to overcome two different cancers. 5 years later, it is doing pretty well considering everything that happened. Also, that I can still engage in my favorite physical activity ever, ballroom dance, with minimal discomfort.

Great thread!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh, sweet Tanya. I remember that time so well with you. I’m sooo grateful that your body healed so beautifully. Bless your healthy body.

taylor

Veteran

I remember that too Tanya!
I am also grateful that you have healed and gotten through some scary uncertain times ....continued good health sweet lady !

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are all impressive in your own way, ladies. Be proud of your bodies. I’m proud of them!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

These days I am so damn grateful for my strong bones. My mom’s osteoporosis was terrible during the last decade of her life, and she broke bones doing things like pulling laundry out of the machine, or even sneezing! My bones are strong enough to push and pull against my muscles, bonk into cabinet doors and car fenders without damage— great stuff.

anchie

Veteran

I had ectopic pregnancy when I was 25, almost died because it was not diagnosed on time, had internal bleeding and my right tube had to be removed. After surgery when I was waking up from anesthesia my dr informed me that I will not be able to have kids on my own. My body proved him wrong - 2 healthy kids for whom I am eternally grateful.

Sal

Veteran

Great idea Suntiger!! Many wonderful stories already told.

I am grateful for a strong body allowing me to stay fit and healthy - and not impede with my work or family life. My Mum has RA since about my age and I have seen the effects it has had on her life.

Janet - I have had panic attacks in the past and they stemmed from poor shallow breathing. Hyperventilation syndrome. I can forward you some info if this is relevant. I still can get into bad breathing patterns at times - signs can be yawning, tingling fingers etc. your situation may of course be different - they are awful at the time.

MsMaven

Veteran

So many good thoughts about my body--

A few weeks ago an in-law had 2 strokes and the tests discovered serious previously unknown issues, including a heart damaged by childhood rheumatic fever, that will slow his recovery. He is 3 years younger than I, who also had childhood rheumatic fever. I was treated as a very fragile child, with lots of worries about possible heart damage--this was post WWII when antibiotics were not widely available or known to work for this disease. Happy to know that I have no heart issues--despite always being treated as fragile--and am going strong.

A year ago I started doing push ups--from a high counter. Well, a year later I can do a few from the floor, but can do 2-3 sets easily from an 18" bench. Beneficial: you bet. I will give you a further report when I return from my 60th high school reunion next year. Maybe I'll wear a sleeveless dress!

Part of my good health lies in having had good genes, part in my ongoing interest in health and diet. My Mom was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 57, shortly after my first child was born, (she lived to be almost 93) but I have kept informed on diet, exercise and good health practices ever since then.

Sorry to go on so long, but my childhood experience made me very aware of the importance of good health from a young age.

Oh, and I can't forget to add that I have good bone density. Thankful for that as well.

Thanks for starting this thread, suntiger. Much of this has been on my mind the last few weeks.

rachylou

Veteran

My lil bod has a lot of stamina, I’ll say that. Has kept going where others would be in a coma. Also, it bakes bread... 80lbs of ingredients in a 50lbs mixing bowl... not too shabby really.

Jane

Veteran

A wonderful thread, thank you Suntiger.

I’m so very grateful for the endless amount of energy I have and that I am rarely sick. I am most grateful for my beautiful DS.

anchie

Veteran

Sorry, wrong thread, supposed to be general gratitude in off topic.

Anonymous

I'm so happy this thread has exploded overnight! You all rock

Mainelady

Veteran

This thread is a wonderful idea! I am so impressed by all the posts.
I am grateful for my body which also houses my mind, my spirit and my emotions. My body has recovered well from 2 c-sections, a hysterectomy and an open appendectomy. Other than those surgeries I have had very few health related challenges. My immune system is strong (most likely due to 36 years in the classroom). I have more energy and stamina than most people I know. I can easily keep up with my husband, children, grandson and our dogs. I am grateful and happy that the condition of my body has not yet set any limits on what I can do (except for reach the top shelves in my kitchen and closets).
In addition to my physical health and strength, I am grateful for my mental, spiritual and emotional strength. I am grateful that my heart is open and it is easy for me to see the positives and to find joy.

kkards

Veteran

lovely thread....
i'm grateful for every bit of my body...for the the way my small bones reflect my maternal grandmother, for my dark straight hair which i got from my dad's family, for my nose which is a direct link to my dad's dad...

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