Hello fitness friends! I hope you are taking care of your mind, body, and spirit.

Today I wanted to post about negative Nancy and critical Chris. My apologies if your name is Nancy or Chris. 🙂

Along this journey of wellness, there will be people who are supportive and maybe a few who are unsupportive. How we handle the negative comments and criticism is important.

Since I started the Get Ripped competition in April there have been people who said,

“P90X2 is too challenging a program for you,”

“As you get older you won’t be able to lose weight, give yourself a break-take it easy. Don’t expect good results.”

I’m so not old…people think over 25 is ancient. There are people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s who are in great shape. We choose whether we will stay in shape, and age is no excuse or limitation (unless you’re sick).

My great aunt even told me, “You have no shape!” I saw her a few weeks ago and she made fun of my lack of hips! :). I do have hips, I’m just not built like her, she’s pear shaped. I’m not.

There have been a few supporters along this journey! So, it’s not all bad. Yet, I realized, women especially are bombarded with negative messages about our body, age, abilities, and beauty. It can be discouraging. In a society obsessed with youth and vanity, it can be rough sometimes.

Here’s how I handle the situations…

1. Consider the source. Insecure people put others down to lift themselves up.

2. Even if it’s true (you’re super thin, short, stocky, etc…), don’t let others put a negative spin on your uniqueness. Know your worth isn’t in your appearance. Celebrate who God created you to be! It’d be boring if we all looked the same. You’re a unique gift.

3. In certain situations, let it push you to work harder. In the case of P90X2, I do my best and forget the rest. The comment made me push harder. So far, body fat is down 9%, and I’m in first place in the competition. I am determined to win for me!

4. Don’t let others steal your joy! If someone offers you a gift and you don’t take it, it still belongs to them. Refuse to take in others negativity or criticism that isn’t helpful.

5. Stop criticizing yourself! I love that Tony Horton says, ” Do your best and forget the rest.” This is about health not perfection. Perfectionism is self abuse.

Some criticism is helpful. It’s good to be open to feedback. You know when it’s good feedback because you leave feeling empowered and hopeful. Good criticism is helpful, not harmful.

I am cheering for you all! You can do this. Don’t let negativity or criticism stop you from pursuing your goals, dreams, and wellness journey!

Warm Regards,

Erin