Do you have a list of the things you will do when you are thinner? The ways your life would be better?
Because I am betting that you do.
I spent decades being afraid; of not doing things, in case I got judged for being the wrong size. Who would do that? My self shaming voice had a whole list of imaginary people waiting in the wings to criticize me. But the reality is, when I lost weight, a lot of people never noticed. And the reality (yes, there were many reality checks) people who love me don’t care about the size of my waist!!
When I started claiming me, as a person not as a body, it changed. The more I defined me, the less I struggled with food and my body. It is about walking in to the person you want to become with small consistent steps.
I wanted to have a stronger body and I started doing that with a 10 minute walk. Now I walk every day, do strength training and I am learning to swim.
How many of us live in clothes, not because we like them, but because we think they make parts of our body look thinner or cover up something? I stopped wearing a uniform of baggy tops with leggings. I wear only clothes that give me joy and are an expression of me. Gradually my style emerged.
Yes, I know we live in a fat shaming culture, but go forward. The best way to stop bullies is to let them know they have no power over you.
Get rid of that imaginary sign that says “Only thin girls get to…..”
In her book ‘on eating’ Susie Orbach advises you to “practice those neglected parts of you that you’ve always put on hold until you become thin”.
What could you do now to get towards that goal?
What is you want?
Make a list of all the things you are denying yourself because of your weight. Examine, be mindful and take action.
Again, bring in that loving kindness practice to help you with this. Only when I stopped the self flagellation, did I see the possibilities for my life.
It takes practice. You may not feel ready to wear the red dress yet, but start with red shoes or a scarf. Want a job change, or more job power, do one simple step such as finding a mentor.
Move forward and as you shed the old idea of you, you will shed the relationship you have with food and your body.
Susie Orbach encourages you ‘to get know the parts of you waiting in the wings”
Go ahead and step on the center stage.
You are so worth it.
Thanks for reading,
Christina