Next week, people across the country will be gathering together with loved ones to delight in decadent feasts and say thanks for the many blessings at their lives’ tables. If only all of the metaphorical dishes were pleasurable…
Amid the festivities, countless individuals will have stress-inducing thoughts of high-calorie sugarplums and compensatory workouts dancing chaotically in their heads. Overindulgence causes one-third of holiday stress, according to Mental Health America, and an estimated 90 percent of women (and many men) are dissatisfied with their shape or size, making feast enjoying difficult. My fabulous friend, Pauline Campos, creator of Girl Body Pride and advice columnist for Latina Magazine, and I have decided to set a happier tone this Thanksgiving by hosting a #BodyThanks Twitter party on Monday, November 25th from 6 – 7pm PST.
In addition to our wacky word-loving work styles and passion for all-things-empowerment, Pauline and I share a special bond: we’ve both endured serious eating disorders and have since evolved into stronger, more fulfilled (okay, and louder! ;)) women. Our shared message that bodies are meant to be EMBRACED is fun, but it’s also important; we believe that a shift from body shunning to gratitude could help change or even save a few lives. But we can’t do it alone.
Our Mission:
It’s our hope that by partying Twitter-style on Monday, the kickoff to Thanksgiving week, participants suffering from body or food-related angst will enjoy Thanksgiving with less negativity and a heck of lot more joy. Whether you have mild, moderate or significant body image issues, chances are chatting with a gaggle of gratitude-celebrating friends can add light to your week. We hope you’ll join us!
What you can expect:
- Stimulating chit chat and question prompts
- Fun contests with PRIZES!
- Engagement with special guests, including Emme, the supermodel, and Andy Lyons, radio show host and Chief Passion Curator of Bring Back Desire
- Silliness (It’s bound to happen!)
- And there may just be a little after-party for those who linger…
For more information on Monday’s event and your friendly hostesses, visit our #BodyThanks Facebook event page, Tweet us (@AugstMcLaughlin @Pauline_Campos #BodyThanks) and check out Pauline’s fantastic blog post: Honoring Ourselves with #BodyThanks. We can’t wait to party with you all soon!
Will you be joining us? How do you stay peaceful and stress-free throughout the holidays? Any tips for bypassing food or body image-related difficulties? I hope you know that your comments rock my world. ♥
That’s a wonderful idea, August! I do hope I remember. I can’t remember what time that is EST. I’ll keep checking Twitter :0)
Thanks, Catherine! If you RSVP via the Facebook event page, you’ll receive timely reminders. It’ll start at 9pm EST.
Great idea August! If I get swept up in the madness next week, tweet me a reminder!
You got it, Susie! We’d love for you to join us.
I’m not American and I live on the other side of the Atlantic, but I might join the Twitter fun!
We would love to have you, Emma!
Oh – this sounds great August. Unfortunately I won’t be able to participate. I really hate this. I’m missing all the fun all the time – but at this time it won’t be possible for me.
Have tons of fun!! And I’ll be with you in my thoughts!:-)
Awesome idea! For me, I don’t usually have guilt over the food eaten on the actual day of the holiday. It’s all the days BEFORE and AFTER that cause me issues. The holiday parties and food days at work and treats sent by customers and the list goes on. Those are the things that derail me. OH, just also realized – judgement from family members is another biggie. Okay so I DO have issues on the actual holiday…lol. But thankfully not Thanksgiving, as we spend that on the in-law side and they really don’t give a rat’s behind. It’s my side of the family. So basically, in a nut shell, I have no tips. Only issues.
What a great idea. So many of us struggle with positive body image, and so encouragement and acceptance is what we need. Thank you for putting this event together. I will make sure to pop in for a bit
I just might drop in and crash the party.
For stress-free holidays: I try to keep the schedule light. I emphasize staying at home and relaxing during time off, rather than cramming all I can into the holiday.
As for the big eating days – i have a big plate, with a spoon full of everything I can get. I eat slowly. Savor it. And I don’t go back for seconds. Also, I’ll wear something comfortably loose – not garbage-bag huge, but something I can feel comfortable in and not feel like a stuffed sausage after eating, well, a stuffed sausage.
You’re a heckuva gal, August.
You devote your energies and talent selflessly. Well done.
I am so sorry I missed the party (it’s the 29th), but it was an excellent idea!
Scott
Thanks! We had fun, and would love it if you’d join us another time.
Dear August,
You know how your blog is one of my very very top favorites and I’m always happy to read your new posts!
Therefore I hope you’re happy to find out you deserve the “Blog of the Year 2013” Award.
I got you your first star:
http://raaniyork.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/blog-of-the-year-2013/
Enjoy it!!
Raani
You are so sweet, Raani! Many heartfelt thanks.
You’re very welcome, August!! I gave it with all my heart!!