Hi Reader,

How's your body image these days?

Does your spring wardrobe from last year still fit?

Here's how one client recently described where she's at:

​In last week's email, we talked about how attument disruptors affect body image and self-nourishment.

But what happens when the attunement disruptor is your reflection in a mirror, a window, or in a picture of yourself from “the before times,” before your body changed?

You see, weight gain, a few more wrinkles, your hair is thinner and grayer, and you don’t feel like yourself.

You look back at photos from your late 20s, 30s, and early 40s, and think, "Why didn't I like my body then? I'd give anything to look like that again!"

Body acceptance during perimenopause and menopause is tough.

Partly because the posts you see about body image and aging on social media suggest you make the GIANT leap from body loathing to rock'n a bikini and jiggling your bits while giving a middle finger wave to the patriarchy.

I love those posts for their entertainment. I admire the ballsy confidence those women have.

But that's not the body acceptance most of us can relate to. It's too big a leap.

Every day, body acceptance is being able to see a picture or reflection of yourself and say, "I don't love how I look, but I want to care for my body because of everything it helps me do and experience in life."

Body Image Support in Real Life

Join the Gentle Nutrition Made Easy 4-week course + live coaching calls to talk through ANY body image challenges you have this season. I offer this course as a hybrid with live coaching only twice a year. Enrollment closes tonight!

If you're working on body acceptance, especially when you see photos of yourself or your reflection, the reflection prompts below from Brianna Campos, LPC (@bodyimagewithbri), will help.
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Grieving a smaller-bodied photo

Journal Prompt #1

If you’ve come across an old photo of yourself when you were in a smaller body that made you feel overwhelmed with negative body image thoughts, pull it up now. Look at it carefully. Grab your journal and ask yourself:

1. What thoughts did you have about your body when this photo was taken? Did you love your body then? How do they differ from your original thoughts?
2. What do you miss about existing in a smaller body?
3. What, if anything, did you have to do to sustain this body size? Would it be sustainable to exist in that body size again?

Use this prompt to engage with your internal dialogue. Take a deep breath and write out the answers to the questions. Take as much time as you need and allow yourself the space to feel these feelings, without judgment. When you can give yourself the emotional space to reflect on these prompts, you can begin to move forward.

Grieving a larger-bodied photo

Journal Prompt #2

If you have the capacity, pull up a picture of when you were in a larger body - maybe a recent photo, as your body has gained weight during perimenopause. Grab your journal. Then ask yourself:

• What is the story you’re telling yourself about your larger body?
• Who or what has sown those thoughts or beliefs? How long have you believed this message?
• What memories from this moment do you want to remember when you see this picture?

When I look at the photo above, here’s what I want to remember:

• I want to remember the incredible day I had with my lovely friends.
• I want to remember the body diversity I saw and experienced at the spa.
• I want to remember the beautiful sights & experiences I took in.

Advice from Bri, "I can’t guarantee that this prompt will alleviate all your distress when you look at this photo. But I can promise that the simple act of pausing, reflecting, and making space will shift the way you reframe beliefs about your body and your experiences."

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Which reflection was the most helpful?

Hit reply!

If you don't mind sharing, I'd love to hear your thoughts and support you.

Have a great weekend savoring food and your body!

Amanda

PS: What happens when seeing your reflection in a mirror, a window, or in a picture of yourself from “the before times,” before your body changed, derails your efforts to eat well and move your body like you want to? You look back at photos from your 30s and early 40s, and think, "Why didn't I like my body then? I'd give anything to look like that again!" Learning to find acceptance with your body during perimenopause and menopause is hard work. Scroll up for 2 body image reflection prompts that will help you refocus on body acceptance.