By Nina Shildeck, NINALEE35

As I stepped out of the shower this morning, I glanced in the mirror. I usually don’t do that. I guess it was my frame of mind today. Pensive, primed to take some positive steps, ready for some new beginnings. Ready to go out and conquer the world!

Well, I was shocked by what I saw! There, staring back at me was this big body with folds of skin hanging in the front beneath a large abdomen and hips sticking out in the rear. My first reaction? "I hate this body!"

But you know what? The more I think about it, the more I realize that I really love this body. It isn't a food magnet. It didn't scarf up a single bite against my will. It handles the food I put in it without complaining, even when I overload it. Whatever its problems, I caused it. It didn't do a thing all by itself. And this body walks wherever I ask it to, thinks for me, and talks for me. It has two good arms and hands to handle work or hug a child, and it has two feet to take me wherever I want to go, it has a heart that just never quits.

I realize I need to treat it better. It is my friend! Would I abuse a friend? I don't think so! Would I deliberately make a friend sick at Thanksgiving? I don’t think so! Then why do it to myself? Why not feed my friend—my body—enough to be comfortable and then not punish it with overload?

I knew I needed to do something! I joined Spark People. With their help, I am learning appropriate eating habits, the importance of exercise – maybe I really should say the importance of letting my friend—my body—move as it was intended to do, It wasn’t built with all these “hinges” we call shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles just to sit in a recliner and vegetate. It was built to move, to wiggle, to walk or dance.

Why not use it to enhance the joys of life? Why not walk down a country lane and admire the scenery, the birds, the flowers. Or enjoy a walk through the neighborhood? Why not let the child within us out once in awhile. Why not play? Children seem to never sit still. Why not drop our inhibitions and “dance” with the mop, or make a game of bending to pick up things. Or play hide-and-seek with the dust bunnies?

Why not let this body loose to do the things it was intended to do? And what will that benefit us? After all, aren’t we all too busy to play games? But think of the physical benefits of having a slender, supple body, of sleeping well at night, of being able to play with our children, or hug a grandchild. And think of the emotional benefits. “I look good. I feel good. I can do the things I want to do. I can be free to reach my full potential.

I'm glad I saw myself in the mirror this morning. It really made me stop and think!

At 74 years young, Nina is a published author who's making her life better through weight loss and better health. She lives in New Mexico with her husband of 36 years.

Instead of berating yourself, love yourself! Share one reason why you love your body!