Hello and happy Monday! This is Susan Hyatt and it’s GO time. This is episode number 151.
This is a show where we talk about goals, and courage, and going after what you really want in life.
Today we’re talking about the common, often paralyzing thought, “Oh my God, I need to lose weight before…(insert event, presentation, photoshoot, etc.)” This kind of panicky thinking can lead to really harmful behavior, like dieting, detoxing, cleansing, over-exercising and getting injured. It’s so damaging for your physical health and your mental health, too. But is anyone REALLY thinking about your tummy? Your cellulite? Your body?
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Wanna read the full transcript? Here ya go:
Let me ask you a question…
When you’ve got a big appearance coming up—like a wedding, a family reunion, a presentation at work, or something where you’ll be photographed—do you ever start freaking out about your body? Do you think, “Oh my god, I need to lose weight before that event”… or things like that?
This is so common, and it can feel really paralyzing. This kind of panicky thinking can lead to really harmful behavior, like dieting, detoxing, cleansing, over-exercising and getting injured. It’s so damaging for your physical health and your mental health, too.
Today, I invite you to flip this scenario around.
Imagine you’re sitting in the audience and you’re watching a woman onstage.
In fact, think back to an event you attended. Think about the last time you attended an amazing concert, where the singer’s voice just blew you away. Or the last time you felt really inspired while watching a speaker onstage. Or the last time you attended a workshop that you loved.
Think about that experience.
During that experience, was there ever a point when you found yourself obsessing about the speaker’s body? Was there ever a moment when you stared at the singer, speaker, or teacher and thought to yourself, “Jesus, what is wrong with her stomach? It’s so poofy. Gross.”
I’m guessing… probably not. You probably weren’t focused on her stomach or her underarms or the size of her thighs. You were focused on so much more—her voice, her story, her message, her brilliant ideas. Her tummy? Uh, not really that important or relevant.
This is so important for women to remember.
The audience isn’t obsessing about your body or your weight. (You might be, but they’re probably not.) The audience doesn’t care about your cellulite. The audience doesn’t care if you can fit into the same dress you wore at this conference five years ago. They care about the stories you share, the message you deliver, the way you make them feel in your presence. But your tummy? Uh, really, no one cares about your tummy.
(And if there is some random person in the audience who does care your tummy? That person is not your true fan—and certainly not a potential friend or client that you’d want to work with. So don’t spend a split-second worrying about what they think.)
If you’ve got a public appearance coming up, and if you’re having a freak-out session about your body, breathe and remind yourself:
“People love Oprah whether she’s a size 4 or 14 or 24. Nobody cares either way because Oprah is Oprah and she’s amazing regardless! People love Dr. Brené Brown and nobody cares about her body. People love Elizabeth Gilbert and nobody cares about her body. People admire Maxine Waters and nobody cares about her body. People love me, too, and want to hear what I’ve got to say. My POWER has nothing to do with my size or weight or shape.”
When you’ve got an appearance coming up, I urge you to focus on what you’re there to DELIVER. What you’re there to SAY. How you intend to contribute to that audience. How you want people to FEEL when they exit the room.
Take the focus off your body, and place the focus onto the core of what you’re there to deliver.
And try to remember that nobody—well, almost nobody—gives a damn about your tummy. Really, they don’t. They care about plenty of things. Your tummy ain’t one.
And whatever you do, I am urging you, don’t cancel the event. Don’t delete yourself from the conversation. Don’t miss the opportunity. Show up. Be brave. Be heard and be seen.
You will feel so proud that you did.
And your family, your friends, the people sitting in the audience? They’ll be so happy you showed up, too.
It’s GO time.
PS. Are you enjoying this weekly GO podcast? If so, YAY! And… did you know that I have another podcast, too? Oh yes I do! It’s called the BARE Podcast. It’s all about your body, your health, and your quality of life. So, if you’d like to hear me discuss lots and lots of body-related topics, similar to what you’ve just heard in this episode, then you’ll love the BARE Podcast.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE BARE PODCAST: iTunesΙGoogle PlayΙStitcher
Google “The BARE Podcast” to find it, or head to iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. You’ll get to hear me interview all kinds of inspiring women, share advice on tricky questions, and lots more. Check it out. B-A-R-E like bare skin. I’ll see you there!
