Some time ago, I came across a Facebook post that unsettled me.
The first sentence, emphasized with exclamation marks, read: “When I was this size (a number was written here), I hated myself! I hated my life!”
Reading those words took me aback. I was currently that size, where she hated her life!
I remember thinking how much I loved my life and my body at that size.
I strive to be healthy and to love my body at every stage.
Hate is a powerful word, carrying a heavy negative connotation.
Shaming and speaking negatively about oneself lead to a downward spiral of thoughts and feelings.
I understand that her intent was to share her inspirational story of losing weight and getting her life in order.
Body size can be an indicator of progress, but becoming healthy and whole involves much more than reaching a certain size or weight.
Using shame as motivation tears us down rather than builds us up.
Whether we’re talking about weight, health, work, relationships, or any other aspect of life, focusing on what’s not working incites shame and leads to a mental and emotional downward spiral.
Instead, focusing on what is going right and loving where we are and who we are in our journey leads us to a higher plane of living.
When our thoughts are more supportive, our outlook is more hopeful.
When we are happier, we make better, more inspired decisions.
By continuing this positive pattern, we spiral upward!
Start where you are and choose to love who you are today, exactly as you are right now.
Learning to love and accept yourself right now is the best step towards creating positive, lasting life change.
Much love,
