Why does a number define us?

Why is it that when I weigh myself, I suddenly feel completely and utterly defeated. I find myself sinking into the mentality that I am less of a woman if the number I see on the scale does not match what I perseve to be perfection. Why is it that I can stand on a scale for 30 seconds and my entire day can be ruined? Why do I allow that number define who I am as a woman? 

I weighed myself today and was devastated by the number I saw staring back at me. I lost an entire evening with my husband to anxiety and anger because of some stupid number. How ridiculous is that?!

I wish I could elequently profess that the number means nothing to me, and curse the society that created a false sense of feminine perfection. But I can’t. Although, I know, and understand, in my rational mind that weight does not define someone’s worth, I have, nevertheless, fallen victim to our society’s brainwashing. I bashfully admit that I internally idolize movie stars for their perfect shapes and flawless glamour. I have found myself wishing I could look like them, because, you’re happy if you’re skinny. Right? 

Even writing those words makes me cringe, but in the darkest recesses of my mind, perhaps it is what I think. Over the years, countless perfect bodies have been depicted on tv shows, movies, ads, and social media that my mind has come to expect this perfection out of myself, and when I have failed time and time again to atain it – I feel unworthy. I feel that my husband won’t love me as much. I won’t do as well at my job. My friends won’t want to hang out with me. No one will ever find me attractive. 

These are thoughts that so many of us share, and it has to stop. We have to know that our worth is NOT measured by the number on the scale. We can and will be loved no matter what shape we are or how many rolls we have. We have to come together and build each other up. Tell someone they are beautiful today. Even better, look in the mirror and tell that to yourself. Look at every inch of yourself and say you are beautiful. Because You Are.