The Everyday Body War

THE EVERYDAY BODY WAR

There was an everyday war

Waging

In my body

At the table.

 

There are weapons of mass destruction

Intended to destroy my sense of self

My belief in me

My joy in my body

 

Name calling was always the first line of fire.

“You’re fat” being on the top of the list

“Those thighs” – said with a disappointed sigh – was second on the list

 

Then I’d walk out on the street and there was an onslaught.

Billboards telling me the right size to strive for.

The right clothing to wear – once I became that size.

 

And of course the comments.

They were a bit like landmines.

“What diet are you on?”

“I just lost 15 lbs!”

Or the ones that were disguised

“You look great. Did you lose weight?”

“Want to do this new detox with me, so that we can really take care of ourselves”

Code for I think you need to join this diet with me ‘cause you’re not okay as you are.

 

The weapons they keep coming, and the ones that started as society’s weapons eventually became my own internal weapons.

 

I believed I should be living in a war zone everyday

I believed I shouldn’t feel good  – yet

because I wasn’t that size – yet

 

No body-peace for me.

Not allowed

 

After all, isn’t a woman’s body to be feared.

Shouldn’t we annihilate her?

Shouldn’t we make her disappear in her not enoughness?

 

~ Nina Manolson

For more of my poetic essays: https://ninamanolson.com/food-for-thought/

 

 

Nina Manolson, M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Psychology of Eating Coach, Body-Trust® Guide.

 

 

 

If you’d like help with navigating an authentic and respectful relationship with your body. Let’s talk.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nina Manolson, MA, NBC-HWC, board certified Health Coach, Psychology of Eating Coach and Certified Body-Trust Provider, believes that every woman deserves to feel good in her own body.

She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can love their body and life! She’s the founder of NinaManolson.com and The Nourished Woman Nation.

She helps busy women feel good in their own body.. She specializes in working with women over 40 who have tried other diets and approaches but are still struggling with their body and food.

She’s the creator of the BODY-LOVE MAP and the recipient of the prestigious Health Leadership Award from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

To get your F.R.E.E. ebook: HOW TO BE A WOMAN AT EASE IN YOUR BODY  click here.