It’s sometimes tough being female. It’s sometimes tough being male. It’s sometimes tough being young. It’s sometimes tough being old. Life they say is not a bed of roses, but sometimes you wonder if the thorns have forgotten that the main focus is on the roses and they are just an additional inconvenience. Phew!

With age comes raging hormones that seem to be playing ten-ten not only with your emotions but your body as well. With aging (sometimes) comes stress (and with everything going on all around, little wonder right?). Stress not only takes a toll on you but does so on your body and looks too. While puberty brings pimples, just eating can make you add weight… and wait for this… same with not eating – imagine. Indeed, it appears one is always on a rollercoaster ride when it comes to weight, looks, and life in general; but it doesn’t always have to be that way. 

Recently someone pretty close to me battled with weight gain. It was traumatizing, especially since this person had achieved the perfect weight and figure too. The more the person fussed about the weight gain, the more weight was gained. At first, this person decided on a diet change and even thought of exercising. But nothing worked. Then the approach was changed. This person looked at the mirror and began affirming the image in the mirror, and that changed everything. 

With the affirmations came acceptance. The pressure of being overweight and out of shape suddenly started easing off. Soon the stress levels started going down and very few kilograms were lost in the process. 

So what am I getting at? Love yourself and yourself will love you back. Step out in style wherever and however you are. Put up your head and face the world because you have got this. Exercise when your strength allows you to. Eat the right portions of meals as often as you can. But do not pressure yourself into achieving that ideal weight or look… just go with the flow and enjoy every moment of the journey. Get clothes that accentuate the positives about your body – whether you are male or female; and every time you step out remember the world is your oyster.

Beyond your weight, this also holds true for other aspects of your body – whether you are on the big or small side. Have you got a bit of acne because you are stressed or it’s that time of the month? Swing it sugar and form your narrative, not based on what others say or what you fear they will say about you; but on your truths. Slaying you see is an attitude thing. It starts and ends in the mind. 

Finally, remember, you are made in the image and likeness of God. If you can comprehend all or some of the beautiful, breathtaking, and awesome creations of God, that should give you an idea that God is Oh my, Oh gosh, gengentic and so much more, which means you are all that too.