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I haven’t worked out in weeks. I was hit with the flu and a few bad headaches, then the holidays happened and I went to NYC, and then my boyfriend got really sick. Yesterday morning was the first time that I’d gone to my Pilates class.

It was tough to go back. For days I contemplated going. Every morning I’d set my alarm. Then I’d inevitably ruminate about how excruciatingly hard each exercise will be since I was absent for so long. How exhausted I’ll be all day. How upset I’ll be getting into my already tighter workout gear.

And then yesterday, I finally went. I pushed aside my negative thoughts, and made it to the class. I was sick of feeling uneasy, sluggish and stressed.

Before the class, I was tired. I was grumpy. I was dragging my feet.

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Yesterday we talked about the sinking feeling of not belonging, whether it’s at the gym, a new fitness class or anything we might’ve tried a few times.

I remember distinctly that when I felt like I didn’t belong, I’d blame my body. Why wasn’t I thin enough? Then I’d surely feel better. Why couldn’t I run that fast? Then I wouldn’t feel so out of place. And so on.

When we get consumed with insecure thoughts, we forget just how amazing our bodies are and the many things they’ve done for us. So today I wanted to remind you (and me, too) about the many beautiful stories our bodies tell. I wanted to celebrate our bodies and all they are. That’s why I’m reposting this poem from April. I hope you enjoy it!

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Before college, I’d rarely worked out. So when I finally walked into my university’s gigantic gym, I instantly felt like I had rookie exerciser written all over me.

I felt completely out of place.

I’m not an athlete, I’d say to myself. I’m too big. I’m totally not muscular. I can barely run a lap without my shins hurting and my lungs losing too much air. My clothes are all wrong. And I’m certainly not as cute and slim as these other girls. I can barely make it to seven minutes on the elliptical.

I dreaded going to the gym, but I still went a handful of times. (I was convinced that I needed to be skinny in order to have the perfect life, and working out would certainly get me there.) I had this sinking, in-the-pit-of-my-stomach feeling every time I’d go. I just knew that other people were naturally judging me and my disgraceful newbie ways.

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Last week, I wrote about 30 habits that can help improve your body image every day.

Today, let’s chat about the beliefs and habits that can prevent us from building a more positive body image. Some of these may come from society, the media or even your own home.

While you don’t need to tackle all these at once, I hope they help you in possibly creating some body positive goals.

1. Not listening to your body’s needs, such as skipping meals when you’re hungry or exercising hard when you’re tired.

2. Hyperfocusing on supposed physical “flaws.”

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Yesterday, I mentioned how much I desperately needed physical activity in my life after a few weeks without it. I really felt out of sorts and very much disconnected from my body.

Then I went to Pilates – and it was like a magical elixir. I walked out feeling so much better than when I sulked in. Sure, I’m a bit sore, but it really made a big difference in my mood and day – and, best of all, I reconnected with my body.

We all know the countless benefits of physical activity. But many of us don’t realize that we can do it on our terms!

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I used to think that self-care was taking a day off, getting a pedicure and washing my hair often enough that I didn’t frighten young children.

Even more so, years ago, the words “self-care” rarely entered my mind. They had no part in my routine, let alone my vocabulary.

In grad school, any attempts to take care of myself vanished. I felt a surge of shame every time I wanted to do something for myself aside from work. I wondered, what’s the point?

Then I reached my breaking point and realized that I was a tired, inactive, malnourished and unhappy mess.

As I started writing Weightless, I was getting much better, but I still had a very narrow view of self-care. Then, my friend and fellow blogger Christie from Nourishing Circle taught me an important lesson.

Like she always says, “Self-care is more than bubble baths and good books.” For instance, she believes that creating and sustaining solid boundaries is also part and parcel. I had no clue!

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Do you know what today is?

It’s the third day of National Women’s Health Week! Which is:

“…a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. The theme for 2011 is ‘It’s Your Time.’”

So today I wanted to talk about what it means to be healthy.

Of course, I think the definition is individual. I also think that it’s important to take some time regularly to consider what being healthy means to you and to assess if you’re living your version of a healthy life.

In the past few weeks, there’s been a running theme in my posts here on Weightless: appreciating what our bodies can do for us. (I couldn’t help the pun!)

When we push through personas that tell us we’re not athletic, we’re weak, uncoordinated and talentless, when we do something that reminds us of our strength, our body image inevitably improves, and we feel empowered.

We blaze through these limiting beliefs, and we stand taller and feel prouder.

Suddenly, we realize, with awe, “Wow, I can do that. I’m so glad I tried.”

Because you just gave yourself a chance. A shot to prove yourself and any naysayers wrong. Whatever the outcome, you pushed through the persona.

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After I wrote the letter to myself, I was thinking about my own perceptions of what I could and couldn’t do.

Yesterday, for instance, I talked about my surprise – shock, really – when I realized how strong I am physically. I discovered my strength when I first started working out regularly in grad school.

Why was this such a shock?

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This Monday, we talked about some helpful questions to ask to assess the state of your body image.

Today, I want to talk about what makes you super duper giddy about your body.

I was reading Julie’s post (that’s Julie of the fantastic blog Beautiful You) on dreams, and she wrote something that struck me.

She writes:

Are your dreams as amazing as you are?

It’s great to have them, but how much are they really inspiring you?

Could your dream possibly just be a goal that requires some of your attention and commitment, or is it actually a dream that will require passion, dedication and S – T – R – E – T – C – H?

Don’t for one moment believe that you should limit your dreams.

Never.

So like Julie says about dreams, let’s not talk about what makes you feel iffy, OK or blah about your body.