After navigating a not-so-great chapter in my life, I’ve jumped back on the fitness bandwagon. I’ve committed to sweating it out six or seven days a week, early in the morning before my husband and kids are even awake. Post-workout, I can’t resist snapping a pic—a “sweaty selfie,” if you will—and sharing it on Facebook. I caption these gems with thoughts on how tough the workout was, how fantastic I feel, or how I really believed I might pass out mid-plank.
I’m sure my daily workout selfies irk some folks in my feed. They might view me as self-absorbed or attention-seeking, as if I’m merely fishing for compliments on how amazing I am. But those assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth.
Social media can often feel like a pit of negativity, and many are striving to brighten it up with positive vibes. Some share hilarious memes or heartwarming clips, while I contribute to a movement that showcases us lifting weights or basking in our post-sweat glow. We’re not bragging; we’re trying to inspire.
Those snapshots of our yoga poses or post-gym grins are meant to motivate. If someone scrolling through Instagram is contemplating shedding those extra pounds, I want them to see that it’s possible. If a young woman is grappling with body image issues, I want to demonstrate that strength can be stunning. Plus, these selfies serve as a personal reminder of my journey. A picture speaks volumes, and when I feel stagnant, I can scroll through my photos to witness my progress.
People generally share what makes them proud. We post about our kids’ achievements, our artistic creations, and even those delicious meals we whipped up that are just like Mom used to make. We share these moments because they highlight the beauty in our lives.
For me, I take pride in my body. I’m thrilled about what it can accomplish. I’m excited about how it’s transformed. I’m proud of the push-ups I can now crank out and the time I can hold a plank. After years of hiding under baggy clothes, I’m ready to flaunt my stronger, leaner self. If it’s okay for someone to share a picture of their gourmet dinner, then why shouldn’t I celebrate my sweaty, red-faced triumphs?
I like to approach others with kindness, and I hope that the same understanding is extended to me. When my friends scroll through their feeds and see my sweaty grin, I hope they recognize it’s not for validation. It’s because I genuinely appreciate my body and what I’m doing. I aim to inspire, and I’ll post what I wish on my own page. There’s plenty to criticize on social media, but my sweaty selfies? They’re a celebration, not a nuisance.