Most of us know that men carry their strength primarily in their upper body, but did you ever realize that a woman's greatest source of strength is in her hips and thighs? "Well, of course!" you are probably thinking. But how many times have you looked at your hips and thighs and thought, "This is my greatest source of physical strength!"

I doubt very often.

If you are like most women I know, your first thought at the sight of your thighs is "fat," "ugly," and "too big!"

You Can Kick With Hundreds Of Pounds Of Force!

The average woman can kick with hundreds of pounds of force. Your hips and thighs provide you with a great source of defense if you were ever attacked, which is a very real life possibility in 2005. Rape and assault still happen in this city, even though it is far safer than it was 10 years ago.

The more and more I learn the value of my body, of a woman's body, and the more I see women berate themselves, it pains me.

Let me ask you this.

Do you perceive your body as something to be controlled and shaped for others to look at approvingly?

Is your body for others, or is it for you?

Read that first question again.

I know most of you are acknowledging right now that you do this. How many men do you think live their lives shaping their bodies for others to look at approvingly? We all know some who do, but the majority do not consume themselves with it the way women do. For women, it is almost like our life goal. Is your health and strength worth this sacrifice?

Do you want your appearance to be the purpose of your life?

I am currently taking a very intensive self-defense course for women that I am going to tell you about in next week's newsletter. Make sure you read because I think it is very empowering and provides essential skills for women to protect themselves. Through it I am learning very effective ways to fight using my greatest strength, my hips and thighs. My own body image is stronger because of what I have learned in this program, even the way I view other women is very different.

In the meantime I want you to think about the statements I made above. I also would love for you to keep your ears open for when I will be holding my next self-esteem and body image workshop. (if there is not one currently scheduled, please let me know your interest in attending melissa@myheartdances.com)

Why I Am Here For You

I designed ™ not only to help you define and go after a full life with authenticity and integrity, but also to empower you as a woman, to help you understand the importance of your strengths and to help you overcome any
socialization that decides for you who you are and who you should be.

I hope these newsletters, the workshops, cooking classes, and private counseling are doing that for you. Please e-mail me and let me know.

Yours for the journey!

melissa@myheartdances.com