Now more than ever we live in a world where people put more value on the way we look, rather than what we can do. If we don’t fit the mold, then somehow we aren’t worthy or capable of accomplishing the things that we are called to do.
I’ve heard phrases used like, “never trust an overweight trainer”, but then gone on to see some incredible people do some amazing things in the health and wellness world.
SOME PEOPLE.
Meaning, there are few who don’t fit the mold that are actually stepping up in this industry.
Society has painted an image in our heads of what the ideal wellness professional should look like, and now we unconsciously think those thoughts as well. Most of us don’t want to, but it’s such natural thought, that we don’t even realize we do it.
It’s unfortunate that many don’t feel like they have a place in health and wellness. There are also people in different professions, that feel they aren’t worthy or deemed healthy based on their body size or image. The incredible potential that is inside people that is just being hidden because of societal norms is a loss for all of us. And it’s often those people who actually understand the prejudice and bias first hand that have the most powerful stories to tell.
In 2 Corinthians 4 we read about our bodies being vessels to share Christ’s love with others. We hold the Spirit, and that is our main purpose for having a body here on earth. I began to think of other vessels I use in every day life. Take a water pitcher for example. It’s a vessel, and it’s purpose is to hold water, and then share it with others vessels, or cups. It truly does not matter what the water pitcher looks like, as long as it holds water without leaking, and pours cleanly into the other cups.
When we are shopping for a new one, how many water pitchers do we pass by on the shelf or online because they aren’t what we feel will fit the mold, or look good in the aesthetic of our house or at the party? Maybe we don’t want the yellow one because it’s too bright, or we don’t want the white one because it’s bottom is too round. Even though those water pitchers will do a fantastic job of sharing water with others, and maybe even more water that tastes better to a greater quantity of cups, we put it back on the shelf because we deem it unworthy of our time or space.
Your body, is a vessel made to share water, life, knowledge, love, and happiness with those around you. If you work and have the capability to make an impact on the world, it does not matter what your body looks like. You CANNOT let your shape or size hold you back.
“But Ellie, we don’t live in that kind of a world. People will still have their prejudices.”
I know, my friend, you’re right. We do live in a world that will always have preconceived notions of what we should and shouldn’t look like to be able to serve in certain capacities. And unfortunately, if you are the kind of person who has to deal with that, you are going to have to work a little bit harder. You’re going to have to be a little bit bolder. You’re going to have to fight for your place and then start changing people’s lives to show them that they were all wrong.
I, no WE, need you to remember that if you are taking care of yourself, and being the best version of you, then that fantastic brain and heart of yours can hold the capacity to change the course of the future.
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” -2 Corinthians 4:18
I want more people who don’t fit the mold to start proving everyone wrong. I want them to use their divinely created vessels to change the lives around them. Work hard, study, increase your strengths, and don’t let someone who says no keep you from the one’s who are saying yes.
Sending love your way,
Ellie