When you think about it, life is about relationships. Every minute of every day you are relating with someone or something—be it your kids, boss, co-workers, friends, family, store clerk, stranger, pet, computer, car, Self, the list is endless.
And the most important relationship of all? You guessed it—your relationship with yourself.
Last week I gave you 6 ways to develop more self love. Another important component of self-love has to do with your relationship with your body. So at this given moment, if you are honest with yourself, can you say you love your body fully, wholly, and unconditionally?
If you do that is awesome! But if you don’t that’s a message that there is some healing needed in order to shift that “not so nice” perspective. Because you know what? That attitude is not doing you a lick of good in living your best life, in achieving your goals and in how you are presenting to others.
I understand the muffin top horror and the emotions involved. It brings back memories of a time I was 40 pounds heavier, how I felt about myself and the new mental and physical behaviors I adopted to not only release the weight but keep it off for over 30 years. I understand body image is a biggie! One of the most important things I learned is that In order to live, laugh and love with freedom, you need to feel really good about your body image.
And I get it, after 40 the body starts to do a slip-slope, doesn’t it? Ay yi yi and how! I remember thinking it would never happen to me—boy, was I wrong! After going through an early menopause, things shifted, dropped, pouched, and spread seemingly overnight—that’s life though isn’t it? Always changing. So why not create a constant for yourself by appreciating and loving your body no matter what? That is something you do have control over – your thoughts!
Alright then, what kind of relationship have you got with your body? Do you adore and respect every luscious curve? Are you appreciative of all it does for you? Do you pay attention to what it needs—eating nutritiously and exercising so you’re at your optimal health?
Here are a few tips to help you love your beautiful body—even before you start working to release a few pounds, tone, or reshape it:
- Look in the mirror and really get that you are a creation of perfection.
- Make a list of at least five things you like about your body. Carry it with you if you need a reminder close at hand.
- See yourself at your desired weight. Notice the way you walk and talk. Notice what you are wearing, your style.
- Make sure to choose exercises that you enjoy so you’ll be more likely to include them in your life on a consistent basis.
- Make healthy food choices.
- Fill your mind with nourishing thoughts that fill you up.
- Have gratitude for your body and all it does for you – arms to hug with, legs to carry you forward, hands to hold and care for others with.
It’s important to honor and accept yourself, love your body as the goddess temple it is. Embrace a new theme in regards to body image and look at exercise as a way to stay fit and strong not only to look good but for internal health as well. This is your new 24-Carat Body Beautiful strategy—the key being, it has to be fun and realistic. You can do it!!!
