The Category of Feeling Good vs. Looking Good

I am sitting at my girlfriend's house writing this blog, thinking about people's feelings compared to their body image. I suppose this may be another blog that is not an opinion, but a thought meant to get you thinking yourself. I consider myself to be a confident guy with good self-esteem. I am pleased with many facets of my personality, and believe in my own self worth. I also know that I am not unattractive, generally falling into the "cute" category, or "handsome" when you talk to older people. I am happy with myself, and if the odd person doesn't like how I dress, wear my hair, or whatever, I don't mind. What is interesting is where I seem to draw that line, which I am sure is not unusual in people; it's when I take my shirt off.

When I was young, maybe 8 or so, I used to go around my house without a shirt on. It was comfy, and I loved it. As I got older, I didn't want to make my growing sisters uncomfortable, and so I started wearing a shirt all the time. Mind you, bed time was okay, and I slept without a shirt, but during the day, at the table, hanging with my sisters, I went fully clothed. In my teenage years, despite the fact that I was in excellent shape, being quite muscular from martial arts, I kept my shirt on except when swimming or sleeping. It became normal to wear a shirt, though I always made the choice.

This year, after not working out very hard for a long time, I have gained weight. Having gained weight, I have discovered that I hate taking my shirt off except when completely alone. I will take off my shirt to climb into my bed and get under the covers. The point is I am experiencing a strange dissatisfaction with my body, and I am acting differently because of it. What I am trying to figure out is whether or not this can be a healthy motivator, or if I'm going to deal with it in a "positive attitude" mentality.

I know that many obese people learn to love themselves as they are. They suffer depression based on hating their bodies, and because of this, are encouraged to love themselves. However, obesity can lead to so many terrible health complications, it's strange that they are not encouraged to try and get healthier. You don't tell someone with a gaping wound to love themselves despite the pain and infection, but rather, you get them to a hospital, or at least disinfect the thing. Perhaps I should be feeling some dissatisfaction towards my weight, and use that to encourage me to move out of the "risk of diabetes" bracket I have fallen into. I suppose I want to say I believe in positive attitude and self-love, but it is also important to not use that as a reason (or demotivator) to not work towards better health.

I am certain that I will get back into shape; thanks to the information my girlfriend shares about healthy eating, and her motivation to help me care more about my health than the pleasures of cheeseburgers all the time, I am getting there. Plus I'm young, so hopefully I have lots of time if I start now, if not slowly. I think it is "okay" to be overweight in terms of self-worth, but it is not "okay" to decide you are going to just live that way. If the information I have gathered is correct, most obese people get diabetes, and diabetes puts the largest strain on North American healthcare.

Besides, anyone who has seen Zombieland knows that one of the rules of survival that is right at the top; Cardio.