I haven't ordered magazines in years because they usually sit on my coffee table or shelf after I read an article or two (if so much), collecting dust and generally living a lonely, mostly useless life (sorry, mags!) until I gather a bunch together to toss in the recycling bin. It's not that I don't enjoy reading magazines. I do, actually, quite a bit... but in recent years they have taken a back burner to all the articles, information (overstimulation), and mind-blowing stupidity of the internet. One just doesn't have time to do it all!
Recently an airline with which I've been a customer for a while offered me free magazine subscriptions in exchange for frequent flyer miles I had that were going to 'expire' (really? how do imaginary miles accrued have an expiration date? That's a whole separate vent...).
Based on my 'expiring points', I could choose approximately two and a quarter subscriptions based on the (mostly mediocre) choices I was given. The only ones I found remotely relevant to my interests were TIME magazine and "Health" magazine. TIME has actually been great, although it comes once a week and I get totally overwhelmed because I feel like last week's JUST GOT HERE. And that other quarter-of-a-subscription is nowhere to be found - so buh-bye points.
To my point -- I started receiving "Health" for free a few months ago and have been saddened and disappointed to see what the 'cover-worthy' articles are. Here's the latest:
Most of these have NOTHING to do with actual HEALTH - with the possible exception of "22 foods for a long life." It's all about looking a certain way, with the tagline up top that "Happy Begins Here" serving as a not-so-subiminal message that encourages people (in this case, mostly women) to think that looking good equals happiness. A flat belly, toned legs and great butt won't do much for you if you dislike your job, aren't happy in your relationship, or haven't found a purpose here that is fulfillng and exciting to you - whatever that means FOR YOU. You might have the softest skin in the world, but is that really going to help you find that career that truly drives you, or the relationship that satisfies you to your core?
Aside from my personal desire to avoid wasting time on the more ridiculous aspects of life, I suppose this is why I've never been too into following "Pop Culture." Magazines, TV, Movies, and Celebs endorsing fitness products or programs that are dangerous or that they don't even use themselves is an insult to the intelligence of the consumer. But somehow, whether consciously or subconsciously, we still think if we LOOK the way they say we should look, we will FEEL the way they say we'll feel. It's the good old marketing/advertising cornerstone: start from the outside and work your way in. If you ever get inside at all. Mostly, just work on the outside and believe it will solve all your woes.
How about FEELING amazing for doing your best with where you are each day? Taking a small (or big) risk or challenge EVERY DAY to get out of your comfort zone, while still honoring who YOU are? And creating CONSISTENCY by doing things each day that will make you healthier - whether it is a few extra minutes for yourself on the gym floor, a new morning meditation routine, or exploring a new nutritious food that you've never tried? How about reversing the suggested order of events: work on feeling healthy, satisfied, and evolved in your level of self-care. There is no doubt you will look better because you will achieve a glow of satisfaction that others can't quite put their finger on, but DAMN is it ever attractive.
The Inside-Out Approach doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and consistent actions, and that's why many don't stick with their version of it. It's tempting to believe that a quick fix is still out there somewhere and that following the advice of a few petty articles will make us "healthier" and "happier." Well don't get too attached, because all of a sudden the next month there's a whole host of new suggestions like "Slim for Life" and "Summer Shape-Up" that send us sliding back down the slippery slope of self-doubt, quick fixes, and marketing schemes. But by the time next month's issue arrives, you've already tried, failed at, and/or forgotten about last month's miracle fixes.
Well, that's about all I can stomach for now. I guess I'll go read "Stomach in Knots? New Ways to Feel 100%"... Although I'm pretty sure it won't do much for me.
Speaking of knowing NOTHING about Pop Culture, who the heck is Ashley Tisdale and why do we care "what she does to look like this"?
