From Body Projects to Embracing God’s Creation
“Our bodies are not a project or a problem to be solved.” – Jess Connolly
We may never say it out loud, but in today’s visually-driven and body-obsessed culture, we often live as if our bodies are projects to be perfected. Influencers, social media experts, and popular culture constantly project an ideal of beauty, telling us that this is the goal — and many of us do whatever it takes to achieve it. When the calendar reminds us of an upcoming wedding, vacation, or reunion — or when summer is just around the corner — it’s easy to slip into “body project mode.” We look in the mirror and all we see are flaws, areas that need to be fixed or improved.
For many years — in fact, for most of my life — I treated my body like a project. I told myself I was doing it for health reasons, but deep down, I was just trying to reach some idealized version of myself. I thought that if I could just achieve this “perfect” body, everything else would fall into place: I would enjoy life, I’d be more social, and I’d finally feel the confidence I had always longed for.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned the hard way: The project was never complete. The problems were never solved. There was always another aspect to work on, another goal to reach. And the longer I chased that elusive idea of “perfection,” the more discouraged I became. I felt more and more isolated. After my anorexia diagnosis, I was embarrassed, ashamed — and ironically, I felt too thin. My “healthy” goals had led me far away from the life I had imagined. I lacked confidence and felt so alone. Even when I was around others, it felt like I was on the outside looking in. Life seemed to lose its color. Everything was black and white. And worst of all, I felt like I didn’t even deserve to experience joy.
The Real Definition of Care
Let me be clear: I am not advocating for a careless lifestyle. It’s wise to take care of our bodies. But there is a difference between caring for our bodies and becoming obsessed with food rules, restriction, or overexercising in a misguided attempt to control them.
I’ve heard it said before, and I can testify from experience that the mental and emotional toll of restricting foods we enjoy is far worse than simply eating them. The stress of holding ourselves to rigid food rules is a heavy burden. It drains us emotionally and mentally.
Our bodies are good. They are wise. God created us with hunger and fullness cues, guiding us to what we need. If you’re not convinced, ask a new mother. She’ll tell you that newborns instinctively have hunger cues! As we get older, we might suppress or ignore these cues, but that doesn’t mean they are gone forever. They can be restored.
Body Diversity: A Gift from God
God designed each of us uniquely, with distinct features, personalities, and purposes. Psalm 139:14 tells us, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” God created every person with intention and purpose; each of us is wonderfully diverse. Just as we are all given different talents and skills, we are also given bodies that reflect this diversity. The way our bodies are built — the way we look, move, and experience the world — is not by accident. Every feature, every detail, is part of His divine design (Gen 1:26-27).
Rather than viewing our bodies as “projects” to be modified, we should appreciate them as incredible gifts. God designed each of us uniquely, with distinct features, personalities, and purposes. Our bodies allow us to experience life — to laugh, sing, dance, hug, and serve others. They are the vessels through which we interact with others and fulfill our purpose. Our bodies are not problems to be solved — they are unique gifts from God, each one an expression of God’s creativity and love (Eph 2:10).
A Different Way to Live
If you find yourself stuck in “body project” mode, tired of the endless plans, rules, and restrictions that only lead to self-loathing, please know there is another way. I’ve been there, and I remember the hopelessness. But I’ve learned there’s a joyful way to live and eat — a way to enjoy the gift of food, to appreciate our bodies for what they can do, not just how they look.
It’s time to let go of the impossible pursuit of perfection and embrace the joy of life — the joy that comes from living fully in the body God has given us. If you’re ready for a change or just need someone to talk to, reach out. I’ve walked this path, and I understand. Together, we can find a healthier, happier, and more peaceful way forward.
Contact me at info@space4grace.ca or visit my website https://space4grace.ca/ to learn more about the services I offer. Let’s embrace the unique and good bodies that God has given us and live the lives He has called us to. As a Christian life coach and mental health coach, I help women uncover the roots of their struggles with food and their bodies, set realistic goals, and take action steps toward a life marked by joy and authenticity, free from the rigid rules and unrealistic expectations of diet culture. To book a free, no-obligation consultation, click here.