Switcheroo

Because I like to keep you guessing, I'm pulling the old blog-and-switch today. That's right, I'm swapping places with Michelle from Eating Journey and she's returning the favor here on JSGF.

When Michelle first "exposed herself" on her site, I remember thinking what a bold and brave statement she had made. When others stepped up to the plate and started showing some pride for their own well-earned scars and well-worn bodies, I began thinking there was something kinda powerful in the works, something poignant in the wind. Anyway, I asked her to come give you a little more insight into the background of this phenomenon while I do my daily jibber-jabber over at her place.

Exposing Myself

Hey there Jack Sh*ters -- I, Mish from Eating Journey, am honoured to be discussing the Exposed Movement with you here.

Jack Sh*t is where I constantly go to for inspiration, laughs, insight, and modified song lyrics :) He, me and many others have been on a weight-loss journey. I have lost over 100lbs and at one point was 30lbs lighter than I currently am. In 2009 I saw the scale creep back up and my self-confidence plummet.

I hated the way that I looked.

Then I started thinking, this is sh*t and I don't want to feel this way about myself anymore. That's when I posted this picture and called it Exposed.



It was meant for me, my little following, but more importantly as a symbolic beginning of loving the body that I had spent a year hating. Then people all over the blog world... and I quite literally mean the world... asked if they could be a part of it.

If they to could expose themselves.

There are now 30 people who have Exposed themselves in all different ways. All with stories of what their bodies have done for them. What they love about their bodies. How their bodies have given to others.
When people ask: How do I do this? I respond with: Take a picture of your body and either write on it or write below it--share your story

We live in a world where perfection isn't real. Where the unattainable is robbing us of the true beauty and power that our bodies give us each and everyday. When I look back at the night when I pressed 'publish' (sweating, shaking and thinking 'should i delete it') I am thankful that I finally gave my body the praise it deserved.

When people ask: What do you want the Exposed Movement to become? I respond with: A place where people find a place in their own personal journey to perhaps love a little more on themselves, to open up to their partner by becoming more open and loving with their body. Where negative self-talk is turned down and those little phrases are quieted in little kid's minds. Where someone... if they feel so inclined... exposes themselves.

I don't care how many people expose themselves. The current 30, maybe 100, maybe 1,000. All I care about is that one person walks away with the chains of negative self-talk, body image, binging being broken down.

May you find a little more love for what your body is, what it does and what it's done for you. It's a grassroots movement where the stories of those who have exposed themselves are testaments of immense strength, vulnerability and healing.