What to do when you see old pictures of yourself in a smaller body
Many of us struggle with looking back at old photos of ourselves when we existed in a smaller body. It’s hard, I get it, because getting bigger goes against exactly what we have been taught to pursue achieving our entire lives. So here’s what you can do when confronted with such a picture, and those familiar feelings of despair and sadness start to stir:
- Appreciate that you are where you are right now. That’s your reality and that’s ok.
- Acknowledge that bodies change. It happens – it’s a normal part of life.
- Stop glamorizing the old photo – remind yourself of what *might* have been going on behind the scenes.
- Allow yourself to grieve for the smaller body. It’s OK to miss it.
- Turn your thoughts to neutral and, if possible, positive observations about your current body.
- Don’t beat yourself up – show yourself compassion. You deserve nothing less.
- Don’t go on a diet. PLEASE. I know it’s a huge temptation after seeing such a photo, but we know that’s not the answer. We have hard proof that diets don’t work. Truly healing your relationship with food and your body? That’s the answer.
Remember…it’s ok to gain weight and thinness does not equal beauty. You are enough exactly how you are.