When I'm Skinny, I'm Going to... A Journey to Body Acceptance by Emma Walkinshaw

Hello, beautiful souls! It’s your friend Emma here, inviting you into my world where we laugh, share, and grow together. Today, I’m opening up about a subject very close to my heart: body confidence and acceptance. It’s time we dive deep, shedding light on the inner turmoil and judgment that have shadowed us for too long.

Prefer to listen? This blog is also available on my Celebrate a Sister Podcast! Listen here:

My Journey: From Self-Criticism to Self-Acceptance

My path to becoming a yoga teacher was intertwined with years of battling body image, caught in a cycle of diets and chasing an elusive standard of beauty. This narrative, where our worth seems tethered to the scale and our happiness postponed with each "when I'm skinny, I'm going to..." moment, is all too familiar.

A recent masterclass by EFT practitioner Lane Allen revealed a striking fact: out of 100 women surveyed, 80 wished to change something about themselves. This hit home, reminding me of the collective struggle with body image. The astonishing revelation that women spend an average of 17 years on diets throughout their lifetime was particularly resonant, echoing my own lengthy pursuit of thinness.

The "When I'm Skinny" Condition

Reflecting on the many "when I'm skinny, I'm going to..." statements I've encountered, including my own, I realized the folly in waiting to live our lives. From cutting our hair short to wearing dream outfits, we've let the condition of being skinny dictate our actions. But why wait? Why let these conditions prevent us from fully experiencing life?

My journey to teaching yoga began with such a statement. Initially seeking to deepen my practice, I never intended to teach. Yet, during my 200-hour training, surrounded by a nurturing community of yogis, I saw myself in a new light—not as someone unfit to teach due to size but as a beacon of joy, confidence, and authenticity.

Teaching yoga as a size 16 woman was transformative, helping me chip away at years of self-criticism and move towards accepting my imperfections. It was a significant step on my journey to body acceptance, a journey I'm still navigating. And it's okay. We are all works in progress.

Reflection and Moving Forward

I invite you to reflect on your own "when I'm skinny, I'm going to..." statements. Consider what you're waiting for and why. It's time to confront the bullies in our heads—the voices that say we're not enough. By becoming more mindful of these thoughts and gently challenging them, we can start to embrace ourselves with love and acceptance.

Let's not put off life any longer. Wear those clothes, swim in the ocean, and embrace life, because we are perfect just as we are—perfectly imperfect. Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way. Together, we stand in solidarity, love, and acceptance.

With all my love and a gentle reminder that you are enough, let's continue to support each other on this journey towards body acceptance and self-love.

Namaste,

Emma Walkinshaw xx