{via etsy by Peggy Wolf}

Today I wanted to do something a little different and share a poem I originally wrote for my personal blog. Even though I’ve largely gotten over my weight worries and body image issues, it’s interesting to see the traces of insecurities that still remain.

I’ve talked before about how my past appearance-based self-doubts morphed into other insecurities.

But I’ve only briefly mentioned my iffiness about my looks in general and my not-so-thick hair in particular. That’s the topic I tackle below.

I used to think

that i couldn’t have long hair.

it’s not thick enough.

In fact

some days

it’s stringy

the strands spaghetti-thin.

Maybe it’s too boring

my natural color

perhaps too dull

too brown.

It’d probably look better

shorter

with more layers

so it doesn’t scream thin

like it’s proud of it

or something.

Some days

I look to some invisible

omnipotent stranger

I’ll never meet

to tell me how

my hair should look

as if there’s some unspoken

rule about long locks.

Some days

I even apologize

for my hair.

I know it’s really thin

but I just love long hair. 

I’m sorry. 

But i’m trying to stop

the sorries.

Because I’m happy

I’m happy that i’ve decided

to be a

rule-breaker

a rebel

who ignores this all-mighty stranger

and lets her hair fall to her elbows

satisfaction sinking in.

–

So, today, I encourage you to consider what other appearance-based insecurities you have and how they might affect your life. Then consider what it would be like to let go or simply ignore your negative thoughts and ruminations. To let them pass without giving them fuel or encouragement, without seeing those thoughts and worries as hard-as-nails facts.

I think it’s incredibly empowering to realize that regardless of the harsh words our inner critic doles out, we can ignore her. We don’t have to listen. Our behaviors don’t have to reflect those mean thoughts.

What would you do if you ignored her negative words?

How would you feel? Would you have long hair? Check out a new place to eat? Dance? Buy a different piece of clothing? Laugh more? Walk with more confidence? Try a new hobby? Have more fun?

–

P.S., Eating disorder expert Susan Schulherr (who I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing before for Weightless) is giving an hour-long webinar for clinicians this Friday (5/18). It’s called “Trauma and Eating Disorders: Essentials for a Clinician to Know (and Do!).” You can register here.

Also, check out my guest post about creativity on Ashley’s blog, Nourishing the Soul. I’m honored to be there. Ashley is an incredible blogger (person and professional), and I absolutely love her work!

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    Last reviewed: 16 May 2012