{via etsy by Lupen Grainne}
Every Monday features a tip, activity, inspiring quote or some other tidbit that helps boost your body image, whether directly or indirectly — and hopefully kick-starts your week on a positive note!
Got a tip for improving body image? Email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com, and I’ll be happy to feature it. I’d love to hear from you!
This weekend I was reading about Andrea Scher’s “Storybowl” evening (and wishing I could attend!). Andrea hosts a small gathering of women, where delicious food is savored and powerful stories are shared.
This got me thinking about the importance of creating these kinds of events. Regularly. And even spontaneously.
Because it’s so easy for many of us to bond over our big thighs and our need to lose weight. It’s so easy for the conversation to shift toward our physical shortcomings and our supposed flaws.
It’s so easy to chat about calories, diets and how much so and so lost (or gained).
Instead, what if you gathered a group of girlfriends (acquaintances, relatives, coworkers, classmates), cooked up a scrumptious meal and enjoyed meaningful conversation?
Without body bashing. Without gossip. Without criticizing yourself or others.
Instead, share your silliest stories. Share how your day went. Share your loveliest memories. Share what makes you tick. Share what brings you joy. Share what you’re grateful for.
Create prompts like Andrea is doing for her gathering. Throw them in a bowl, and have each person pick one out. Or create a gathering with a specific theme, such as gratitude, celebration, love or play.
Host a gathering with your favorite childhood foods and snacks (peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, mac and cheese, oreos, apples, lolly pops). Play old school boardgames and chat about your memories. Your prompts could include trivia about the most popular songs and movies of the 60s, 70s or 80s.
Host a proper English tea party, a brunch, a BBQ or a potluck picnic. Or invite everyone for pizza on a Friday night.
Let it be as formal or as casual as you like. And just chat about life. Talk about how you’re really doing.
When we stop bashing our bodies, ourselves and others, it’s amazing the worlds that open up. We get to know people, on a deeper level. We get to know ourselves, on a deeper level.
We laugh, loud, uncontrollable guffaws. We connect. We feel inspired and empowered.
And we might even heal — all things that don’t happen when we berate our thighs or talk about our latest diet.
Do you and your friends tend to bond over bashing your bodies? What do you think about gathering your friends for an evening of stories?