𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇-𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆
In fiction-romance novel, Dismantled Hearts, the chapter titled "What a Difference a Year Makes" features a candid exchange between two characters:
"Girl, you still have time to hit the treadmill. If all else fails, just put on some Spanx and call it a day. Stop stressing about it."
Karina wished she was face-to-face with Shaniece so she could throw a shoe at her head. "Okay, Mrs. ‘I Have a Killer Body.’ Not everyone has time to hit the gym every day like you."
The last thing Shaniece wanted to do was offend her friend. "Oh, Karina, stop it. We both know you have the better body," Shaniece lied. Karina knew Shaniece was trying to make her feel better but accepted the compliment.
I laugh out loud whenever I read this because it's so true to how women often are about their bodies. Stressing over the tiniest things, thinking one flaw is a catastrophe. It can be one thing out of place, and it feels like everything is doomed, leading to immediate self-criticism. It shouldn't be this way. Women (and men) should love themselves for who they are, not based on perceived societal expectations.
When Covid hit, I spent my days eating and drinking whatever I wanted, just like many others. Not gonna front but my morning breakfast back then consisted of margaritas, wine or Bailey's in my coffee. This was most days! I gained so much weight during this time and didn't realize it until I took my first trip when the world was semi-reopened. I had to buy new clothes because nothing in my closet fit anymore. What I loved about my acknowledgement is that I didn't beat myself about it, I didn't shame myself, I didn't even cry about it. Instead, I rocked my weight gain like I was and still am the most beautiful version of myself. My self-esteem didn’t take a hit.
In the last few years especially once I entered my forties, I found it much more difficult to lose the weight. Before, I could diet for a week or two and I was back like that. Now, I have to put in much more effort in order to keep the weight off. I'm not big on cosmetic surgeries so that option was never considered. Ozempic was out of question. Instead, I chose to take the natural route. Real talk, anyone can lose weight naturally with perseverance and determination. Yes, it can be tedious, hard work and a longer process but once you reach your goal you will be proud of yourself. There's something about an accomplishment that takes work to get to. You appreciate it and yourself more, and in this case your body. Achievements you work hard for are always more satisfying.
Just recently, I took my health and wellness goals even more seriously and am proud of my efforts. To start, I cut out alcohol completely. I thought this would be a struggle, but honestly, I no longer have the urge to drink. I am more consistent with my exercise routine, working out 5-6 days a week. What I'm really happy about is trying out new healthy recipes that I make from scratch and loving the natural foods experience. This lifestyle change is very time-consuming, and I find myself in the kitchen and the grocery store a lot during the week. However, I love the changes I’m making, and motivated enough to keep going.
For anyone reading this and you're unhappy with how you look or feel when it comes to your body, start by speaking kindly to yourself. If your goal is to begin a weight loss journey and unsure of where to begin, start out reading affirmations daily. Do whatever you need to build your confidence up because it’s the foundation of your journey. True confidence comes from within and isn’t tied to body weight. Next, create a prayer card and read it aloud every day, petitioning for help with your weight loss journey and consistency. Remember, God loves you no matter what. Thereafter, start making small changes, like increasing your water intake. Try eventually getting to a gallon a day; add lemon, lime or basil for taste. Make small food adjustments and focus on portion control. Then, try new healthy recipes and expand your palate. You’ll be surprised at what you enjoy if you give it a chance. With this journey you need to be open minded and step out of your comfort zone. For exercise, start off with home workouts over the gym. Also, thirty-minute walks in your neighborhood. The problem for many people is keeping up with a consistent routine. Once you get started, be determined to make it to the finish line. You got this!
Until next time!
- Authoress J. Henry, XOXO
𝑶𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈.
Most readers finish the book in an average of 2 days. Great book for men to read too. 📖🕐
Also available on Amazon Kindle
𝑰𝒏 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏?
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈?
Click below to learn more about the Remote Year Program.
Check out highlights of my 1-month trip to Cape Town, South Africa!
Instagram > authoressj.henrybooks
Comentaris