Let’s discuss the saying, “What matters is on the inside.” What’s really on the inside of a human body? Well, there are intestines, blood vessels, mucous membranes, and an assortment of other organs, including waste and gases. Yes, bones, too—those same bones we often use to scare trick-or-treaters each Halloween. Our bodies are not merely destinations; they are vehicles. Think about that while scrolling through your stock photos and tagging your friends on social media.
So, where is your body—whether it’s a size 2, 12, or 22—taking you today? Perhaps to get some ice cream? Enjoy every bite! Or maybe it’s off to engage in some intense cardio like Alligator Wrestling? Not my cup of tea, but if that’s your jam, go for it! Just remember, if your only goal is about the vehicle itself, you won’t get very far.
What you can do is treat your body, whether it resembles a sleek coupe or a sturdy Mack truck, with care. Keep it fueled, change the oil regularly, and ensure routine maintenance. This metaphor, of course, refers to staying healthy. Feel free to take pride in how you look and how you feel; there’s nothing wrong with that. However, it’s important to recognize that physical appearance is not everything.
When we say, “What’s on the inside matters,” we often imply that our bodies are less significant than what we produce from them. I’m referring to our creative and emotional outputs, as well as our physical contributions to the world around us. From heartfelt hugs to volunteering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, what we give to others is far more valuable than our body shape. The truth is, a person’s physical form rarely correlates with their worth, except in those rare moments when someone needs help reaching a high shelf or retrieving a tiny earring from a drain.
I know it can be hard to see this in ourselves. We aren’t trained to recognize our contributions in the mirror. But we often notice it in others. When someone supports us, connects with us, or simply brings joy, we tend to overlook their physical quirks. Think back to that quirky guy in college who made you laugh. Once you saw his emotional value, his big ears or unusual physique likely became less significant, right? This is how attraction works; it’s based on emotional connections rather than mere appearances.
The important thing is to prioritize the health of our bodies so that we can fully engage in life and positively impact those around us. When we pass away, no one will deliver a eulogy starting with, “Jamie was 140 pounds, stood at 5 feet 1 inch, and had brown hair.” Instead, someone will likely stand up, tearfully recalling the moments shared and the laughs enjoyed.
So let’s move past the measuring tapes and scales, the endless obsession with our bodies. I’m navigating through life, possibly on the shorter side of the halfway point, and I can’t predict when my time will end. I could waste my time on a film like Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, only to regret not watching something more fulfilling. What I do know is that I need to stop reading yet another piece about body positivity and allow myself to ignore my body shape.
I’ll make an effort to exercise and eat healthily because I want to live a long life and not be physically limited. But on my next walk, I plan to take my scale and toss it into the trash at the top of the driveway. I’ll find better ways to measure my worth, such as how many laughs I can share or how many meaningful hugs I give. Maybe I’ll even judge myself by the number of pizzas I enjoy with friends without worrying about calorie counts.
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In summary, let’s focus on the essence of who we are and how we connect with others rather than obsessing over our physical forms. Our lives are richer when we prioritize meaningful interactions and contributions.