Some thoughts about body image

Our latest giveaway (for a copy of the DVD of disFIGURED) has already generated tons of interested, though I could never have guessed how touching it would be to hear how some people see themselves.

Allow me to explain…

For the contest, I’ve asked people to tell the Breaking the Mirror community how their body image falls on a scale from 1-10 and why.  It’s truly amazing how many people really dislike their appearances; I can’t help but feel a little saddened.

A few of the most thought-provoking comments I’ve seen thus far are:

“I would say… about a 6. I need to work on my muscle tone before my number can be higher.”

“Omgosh what a difficult question. I’ve been diagnosed anorexic twice in my life and now I’m overweight.  I have never really had a good body image opinion about myself. I look back at pictures that were taken of me when I “thought” I was overweight and I was so skinny.  I’d really like to see this movie as its a struggle I face every day of my life.”

“5 – NOT SKINNY ENOUGH!”

“Unfortunately, I am about a 3. Gained 8 pounds in two weeks!”

“I’d say… 2? I could lose a few pounds, I have a scar from burning myself when I was little, and my parents never got me braces for my teeth.”

I just keep wondering, “What would WE say about these individuals?  Why aren’t they easier on themselves?”

Of course, I know the answer to that.  And you probably do, too.

*sigh*

For the record, I hover around 5 or so.  Like many of the people who have submitted entries, my husband would probably say a 9.7 or something (if he said a 10, I’d accuse him of fibbing!)  I just look in the mirror most days and think, “Dear god.  I’m pretty beastly.  Thank goodness I have half a brain!”

Take a look at the comments for that post yourself… and please feel free to enter!