So many times after an eating binge I would call myself a ‘fat cow”. That label would follow me around all day. It dictated what I wore (skinny clothes naturally) and how I perceived myself when I looked in the mirror (ugly and fat). It marred the day by flooding my head with negative thoughts and took me on a path of shame and self flagellation.
It also made me eat more (yes, strange how that works).
It is amazing how many labels we attach to ourselves and others. And so many negative ones are often inherited from our childhood.
When I started on this new journey I threw out all the negative judgemental labels. Foods and my days of eating were no longer labelled good or bad; and my body was not fat or OK. Instead I made it neutral. When I saw food as bad or unhealthy, I saw myself as bad and unhealthy.
As I progressed, I chose different ways of looking at my body. I start my day by thanking my body. No one is listening, go for it!
“Hey gorgeous, yes you with the fabulous legs. that took you on a hike. Thank you for those legs!!” And the list goes on and on. We are so used to being critical that a positive comment can be hard at first, but now I have become a pro at it! The more you let the positive in, the less the negative has room to enter and grow.
I didn’t realize how many labels I had attached to myself and others.
It serves no purpose other than keeping us locked in to a diet mentality and self loathing.
When I started a practice of mindfulness and loving kindness I noticed how many judgements I had about my body. I had accepted them and believed them as the truth.
The less we attach labels to ourselves the less we do it to others.
Isn’t it time to rip off the labels?
Thanks for reading,
Christina