Being active vs. Saying be active

This post is part of YummyMummyClub.ca‘s support of the Dove^®  Unstoppable Moms for Unstoppable Girls Contest. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors. Go to www.UnstoppableMoms.ca to enter by sharing how you inspire girls to reach their full potential.

The Little Monkey is just a mere 19 months but she’s soaking in everything I do and has already started imitating things I don’t even think twice about. Yes you can catch her trying to tweeze her face (no lie!) and trying to lean against the kitchen counter browsing on the phone. Sure these are simple, harmless (unless she gets an ingrown or actually pokes her eyes out!) everyday actions that aren’t a big deal. But it does make me wonder about what else she’s subconsciously storing away.

Hot topics amongst moms of teenage girls are self-confidence and body image. Growing up I didn’t really think much of it, or at least I don’t recall thinking too much of it. I was confident in my large body and participated in whatever activity I wanted. Sure you’d never catch me in sleeveless clothing (to this day) or in anything short but I learned how to dress my body and be comfortable in my skin. I suppose most of this can be attributed to the female role models around me, mainly my mom and my aunts. Sure I got teased being called ‘fatty bumbola’ or ‘cheeseball’ by the family but that didn’t irk me one bit.

However not all girls grow up with this self-confidence or security blanket and even with all this confidence and support I found dancing to be tough. It’s not easy watching yourself wriggle, bump and pirouette your way through class next to “modelesque” beauties…yet I’ve always taken to dance (no matter how bad I may be at it or the horrible costumes we’d have to wear) and pushed through to challenge myself to be out there meeting new folks, learning new skills and doing something that scared me as much as it thrilled me. Throughout the years from middle school to high school then in college and even in grad school I performed on and off socially. However in the past four years I’ve been making excuses (I’m too cool/old /pregnant/large for that) not to go out and continue the performances.

The Dove Unstoppable Moms for Unstoppable Girls Contest actually made me realize that I need to stay active and continue pushing myself outside the comfort zone. The Little Monkey is watching, learning and taking cues from me. I pride myself in having a balanced lifestyle but truth be told I’m turning into a lazy slob! Growing up in a downtown concrete world means she’s less likely to run around and play ball down the street. She needs to be active and she needs to see me surrounded by a strong network doing what fuels my passion and being a well-rounded ACTIVE person. It’s best to practice what you preach and as such I should be active myself (not just her dad) and encourage participating and being active. Scary to think that 6 out of 10 girls avoid activities because they feel badly about the way they look. Eeeks! I definitely plan to enroll her in a dance class (amongst other sports!) and enroll myself back into one as well. I need to be active instead of telling her to be active.

Here’s a clip from my last rehearsal back in 2009. Unfortunately I don’t have a digital copy of the actual on stage performance in front of 500 strangers.  Laugh away. Then go and wiggle your way with your little one!

Are you an unstoppable mom? Share YOUR story about a time when you thought about quitting an activity you loved because of how you felt about your body and let them know how you think moms/role models can better support girls to participate in activities. You have until June 13, 2013 to enter. You could win $2,500 for yourself and $2,500 will be donated to help raise a girl’s self-esteem.

Check out more stories on YummyMummyClub.ca about amazing unstoppable moms: http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/family/mummy/unstoppable-moms-for-unstoppable-girls