Longtime readers will remember my posts from last summer about my experiment with bearing my arms, arms which I viewed with more than a little bit of disgust, arms which I refer to as my "bat wings." I challenged myself to appreciate my arms for what they are and wore sleeveless shirts to try and be more comfortable in my own body. And it worked.
For a while.
Now that the weather is warmer and I've started wearing short-sleeved shirts, I've started noticing my arms again. Every time I reach for something at my desk, I see the flab. And it takes a lot of willpower for me not to instantly think, "Ugh, arm flab! Gross!" But I am trying to remember that 1) no one really cares about my arms, and 2) my arms happen to be an essential part of my body that can do a lot of fantastic things. They are not perfect--far from it--but they are mine, and they have come a long way.
Usually when I pose for pictures, I make sure my arm flab is not so prominent, but not today. Today I am going to grin and bear 'em. So, blog world, I present to you my arms in all their flabby glory:
What about you? What do you appreciate about your body?
P.S. THANK YOU for all of your wonderful, supportive comments on yesterday's post! I really, really appreciate them. You guys are awesome!
as always, you are so inspiring! and you look great--healthy and glowy =)
ReplyDeletemy problem area is my butt (no pictures of That going on my blog anytime soon, ha!) but i adore my legs!
Erin, I don't know how else to put this...but you look hot girl! For serious- as Renee said- healthy and glowy for sure!
ReplyDeleteYeah, my problem area is my butt, but my husband happens to like it, so I'm okay with that...and I am definitely not posting a picture of my butt either. Because that's just icky.
I have 'bat wings' as well which are covered in stretch marks. I don't care anymore and am so proud of the 100lbs that I've lost! Keep up the amazing work and keep loving your body.
ReplyDeleteYou look great! I hope you have a before picture of your arms for you to compare to because I'm sure it will show all of the hard work that you've put in!
ReplyDeleteMy problem area was always my arms, too, until I had a baby about 2 years ago. I had a c-section and the cut can give your body a belly apron-especially if you're overweight, or in my case, morbidly obese. So, yeah, my "apron" is my "ewwwww" area. And, trust me, no one wants to see that.
Hurray arm flab!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, Erin, you look great. I remember the first time I saw you at Union a few years ago. You look completely different.
You rock miss runner girl!
The thing is, if you hadn't pointed your arms out, I wouldn't have noticed. You're beautiful. You look healthy and happy, and that's the best thing. Go you!!!! ~ L
ReplyDeleteLooking at your freakin guns girl! That's awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look AMAZING! Keep up the great and inspiring work.
I remember that post from a year ago and it inspired me to wear short sleeved shirts to work (for awhile). Yesterday I did again, and like you I was uncomfortable at first. Ended up putting on a sweater mostly because I was cold in my office but it is something I am going to have to get used to all over again :)
ReplyDeleteYou ROCK by putting it back out there again...
You look wonderful Erin! And I've met you in person!!
ReplyDeleteI don't like my arms, but I do like not having to wear size 3X men's shirts anymore!
great job!
ReplyDeleteYou know, we all have that thing we worry about and watch for in every pic (mine is my double chin and fat cheeks that no amount of weight loss will take away). The thing is, no one else ever notices, but I see the flaws. We are so much harder on ourselves than everyone else. I've been purposefully telling myself, it is not about me, it is about HIM. Every time one of those stupid thoughts pop up! Good job!
ReplyDeleteWe ALL hate our arms! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you look AH-MAZING! Definitely inspiring. :)
You DO look great! I am so proud of you! We both have lots to be thankful for. Thank goodness for our string lovely arms :)
ReplyDeleteIt’s nice to know that you’re now coming to terms with your arms. I believe there really is nothing to hate about having a bit of extra skin in there. People won’t look at you differently just because of them. As you said, they are a part of you. Thus, being comfortable in your own skin is the most effective “beauty regimen” you can give to yourself. All the best!
ReplyDeleteWillie Strickland @ Alexander Surgery