Real Women...

• Are not perfect
• Eat when they are hungry
• Love, laugh, sing and dance
• Thank their body for what it can do, not attack it for what it may lack
• Are not defined by the scale
• Embrace their bodies - flaws and all
• Take risks
• Try, fail and try again 
• Do not compare themselves to celebrities and skewed media images  
• Stand up to their fears
• Get messy 
• Honor their bodies
• Are willing to say yes but are also willing to say no 
• Eat dessert (hello full fat Blue Bell)
• Strive for balance
• Tell ED (or any unhealthy voice) to shove it 
• Go to therapy
• Ask for help
• Serve others
• Show kindness to others but realize they cannot please everyone, all the time 
• Embrace life
• Reflect on past mistakes 
• Realize they are worth more than a jean size
• Eat carbs..yummy delicious carbs (Carrabba's anyone?)
• Pray for healing
• Put the measuring cups away 
• Find joy in their imperfections
• Share their struggles
• Give up control (or as many say "Let Go and Let God")
• Experiment with their food
• Pray, watch, listen and pray some more  
• Enjoy eating out
• Exercise for health, not just calorie burn
• Have curves (bye bye middle school bod)
• Call their family
• Are not threatened by constructive criticism 
• Call their friends
• Give themselves permission to relax  
• Realize that life would be pretty darn boring if we all were exact replicas of each other
• Are a work in progress
• Encourage others 
• Laugh at themselves
• Take time to slow down and enjoy little moments 
• Love Jesus 

The list above was originally developed during my initial ED recovery although over time I have added "real women" thoughts that I find encouraging. 

Based on your life experiences, what would you add to this list? 

Please do share in the comments. 

Enjoy your weekend!