Sweet Bodies ~ Section 4: The Benefit

Discover how liking your body is an investment in the future you!

What You Value

Think about an object that you currently own that you really like. Picture that object clearly in your mind. Maybe it is a ring, a rug, a mug, or a car. This is special to you. Now, answer the following questions.

1. Did you have any trouble imagining these objects? 

2. Do you know why you value it? Why do they have meaning or importance? What makes it special or valuable to you?

3. Do you know where it is?

4. Would you be sad if you didn’t have this thing?

Beautiful! Thank you for completing this activity. You can see that things you value are things you can easily visualize, even when the object isn’t present. You know why you value it, why it has meaning, and why it is special. You likely know where (approximately) it is, and the thought of not having it makes you uncomfortable, upset, or sad.

No Weight Loss Required is a free weight-inclusive newsletter. It is published two times a month. Paid subscribers also get access to our newest feature, Sweet Bodies: Practical Body Image Tools for People With Diabetes.  This five-part guided program includes a recorded video and ebook to help you change your body image from anger, disapproval, and disgust to increasing feelings of tolerance, acceptance, appreciation, compassion, and kindness toward yourself; no weight loss required.

Now, think about the following things: shoe polish, an extension cord, a melon ball scooper, or sunscreen. Answer the following questions.

1. Did you have any trouble imagining these objects? 

2. Do you know why these objects are? Why does it have meaning or importance? What makes it special or valuable?

3. Do you know where these objects are in your house or in a store?

4. Would you be sad if you didn’t have this thing?

Why the heck did you answer these questions?  Pause and consider if the things you don’t think about or value are things you're more likely to struggle to visualize. You may have never thought about those objects. You may not even know where or if they exist in your house. It is unlikely that you would be sad if you didn’t have it. You might realize, “It can be replaced.” 

The value you place on an object and the care you give that object are connected. If you value something, you care for it. If you don’t value something, the level of care is less important. This also applies to your body. If you haven’t cared for your body, you likely didn’t value your body. It is hard to suddenly start caring about something that previously created hate, anger, disapproval, and disgust. These are feelings that arise from things and people that aren’t valued.