How do you feel when you see...

-Kids on skateboards using parking lots and/or sidewalks?
-A woman with full sleeves of tattoos on both arms?
-A plumber (or electrician or construction worker or any other person whom you hired) who comes into your house with a cig in their mouth and full sleeves to tattoos?
-Someone who walks with a limp or seems to have a disability?

Do you judge in these situations? I think many of us do and I know for sure we should NOT.
Take for instance the lady who has had the only full facial transplant in history. She doesn't look a thing like she did prior to the horrific incident that caused her injuries. She will still need a bunch of surgeries to remove extra skin from her face so it doesn't have a bloated appearance. But, she is alive, can breathe, talk and see.
Honestly, if I saw her on the street I might initially judge. I would hope that, within seconds, I would realize that EVERYONE is beautiful. I would hope I would realize that the fact that this woman is alive is amazing and that makes HER amazing.

So, what does this have to do with health and fitness?
Well, do you judge YOURSELF every day in the mirror? I bet many of you do. Do you see yourself as gorgeous or do you pick on every 'bad' thing you think you see?
Look at the list above...
One of those kids on the skateboard is someone's child and is beloved to their parents. So, they are wearing pants with the crotch down to the knees...so what?!
Those folks with all the tats? Well, to many, tattoos are amazing expressions of art they are simply wearing on their bodies. Or, they are meaningful expressions of loss, joy or pain.
When that person who limps take a minute to cross in front of you, holding you up from getting into the store, don't be mad...you have no idea what accident or condition that person has that causes it. They aren't walking slowly to annoy you-be kind.
And, when you look at YOURSELF try not to see all your faults and perceived imperfections. Remember, that body allowed you to have your children, gets you up to dance with us, allows you to get where you're going and do what you want to do. So you're not a size 00 and 5' 11" tall, so you don't have 'perfect' hair, so you are thicker in the middle that you want...who cares?!
Focus on all that you DO have and workout to make your body stronger and more healthy and to live longer.
Be kind to yourself and that will extend to others...and come back to you in kind!