Sunrise over the Bay, Cape San Blas—my happy place!
What trips us up from living the healthy, beautiful lives we desire? Well, there are many answers to that question. But the #1 cause is found in our thinking, then works its way into our hearts and outward in our actions. Somewhere in the nooks and crannies of our minds, we just don’t think we can pull it off.—too old, too fat, not good enough/smart enough/thin enough/pretty enough/ talented enough/rich enough/strong enough/decisive enough…” Yuck. I’ve been there too. A lot in the past, and sometimes that little voice will whisper in my ear now too—but I know what to do when it does! I’m here to give you a little love blast and reminder of your greatness, just like I do for myself!.
Truth: No matter what your life looks like right now, or how you feel in body and spirit, you’ve got what it takes to thrive—whatever that looks like for you. Thriving isn’t about striving or “fixing yourself”. It’s not about having perfect health, a perfect body, relationship, kids, job, etc. In the healthy world that we want to be a part of, it’s a LOT more about self-acceptance —” love myself, I am worthy of love and where I am right now is the perfect place because I’m learning and growing!” —and a lot less about self-improvement aka “I’m not enough” Positive thoughts will lead to loving actions. Towards ourselves and others!
So how do you start changing the mind?
First, look inside! Become more self-aware and set a serious Intention to change. Then it’s about daily cultivating positive, flowing energy in your body and spirit. That’s what happens when practice self-care and we treat ourselves kindly, which includes what we say about—and to—ourselves and others. Its about remaining present for your magnificent life and being grateful every day!
To create energy like that, we have to take a sincere and deep look at the barriers, practices and beliefs that have kept us stuck. Many of these started as messages when we were children and they have been holding us back ever since, leading to the building of a big wall that prevents us from stepping out and embracing challenges, new experiences and new direction. Once we begin to really see, we can tear that wall down!
Do any of these sound familiar?
I can’t write that book because everything’s already been said and my story isn’t that interesting.
I can’t go out with my friends because I’m embarrassed by how I look.
I can’t go to the pool or the beach because I feel exposed and insecure
I can’t be a part of that book club because I’m not as sophisticated as they are
I can’t lose weight because I’ve tried before and nothing works
I’m going to keep quiet because I have nothing interesting to say.
I can’t go out on a date because I don’t want anyone to know the real me.
Would it surprise you to know that I’ve had nearly all of these thoughts and MORE?
These type of messages will ALWAYS hold us back. And when they pop up in our heads, the onus is on us to slay these dragons! If you’re not feeling on your game right now, if this seems really hard, that’s OK, I get it. When I’m in that place it’s just a sign that I need to wake up , pay attention and redirect my focus. For me that means giving myself a loving (no-nonsense) pep talk. Once I’ve cracked through my defeating chatter, I’m better able to create healthy habits (actions) that support who I want to be and how I want to feel.
These are the lessons and tools I share with my training and health coaching clients! For example, if we want our bodies to be strong, then we have to take time to create a fitness routine that supports those goals. If we choose to believe that we don’t have time to work out, then we’re choosing not to thrive. It means we’re prioritizing the safety/familiarity/comfort of where we are over where we want be. And if you’re struggling with anxiety, feeling unmotivated and depressed at times like I have, deciding not to move your body is not a loving choice. Exercise does a world of good for anyone’s mood, being shown to be more effective than anti-depressants. If we can create time to just do nothing but veg on the couch, then we have plenty of time to go out and walk, take a yoga class or do a few situps.”
Isolation is growing in our culture with many choosing to just avoid connections with others, because of disappointment, shame or fear. This can keep us from reaching out for help with our mental, emotional and physical health and It can cause our spirits to whither, developing a “I give up” mentality. If we want to have vital and healthy community in our lives, to create and maintain vibrant relationships, we have to be brave and show up. The thing about courage is, the more you practice it the more you have! It won’t be comfortable at first getting out of your “comfort zone”, but it will get easier and easier!
If we want to be healthy and resilient against sickness and disease, that takes eating foods and liquids that support a healthy brain and body. And it’s up to us to make the best choices! That takes learning, experimenting, preparing and developing a palate for REAL whole foods. But until we start a new food plan with the intention to transform our bodies and lifestyles to fit our dreams of vibrant health, it will remain a wishful thought. And nothing will change….
When we grab on to the positive energy we create with loving choices, we are stepping into fullest expression of who we are—loving, thriving, forces for good in our own lives and those around us.
Make it a great 2020! And make self-care your creed! Carol
**If you’re ready for a really healthy challenge, contact me Now! I have groups starting up for my 5-week Detox Diva program and room for personal health coaching and training clients too! I’d love to know how I can help you live your Best You! And there’s no time like the present to start.
