"Embracing Body Love and Acceptance"

I am deeply committed to authenticity, transparency, and wellness—values that guide both my personal and professional life. There are countless topics to explore within these areas, but today, let’s focus on an essential yet often challenging one: weight and body acceptance.

When it comes to weight loss, you name it—I’ve probably tried it. I’ve pursued it under countless banners: weight loss, better health, seeking compliments, a love for exercise, picking up a new hobby, fighting inflammation—you name it, I’ve been there. The list goes on.
Last year was undeniably hard for the world, but it was also a reckoning for me. As the inches crept on, I found myself at a crossroads. I had to make a choice: continue walking around feeling disgusted with myself and hiding away, or embrace and love myself, no matter my size.
I chose to love myself. But let me tell you—it didn’t come without a hefty price tag. Releasing my pride and the deeply ingrained beliefs about how I should look or should be was a process that required vulnerability and grace. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Here's what I stopped doing:

• weighing 
•  commenting on weight
• restricting foods 
• buying clothes that do not fit well
• talking about diets and weight loss around my children
• excessive workouts
• covering unflattering parts of me (arms)
• projecting my weight issues

As I write, I can feel the anxiety creeping up in my chest. The voices afraid of vulnerability suggest that this may be a bit too personal.

Here's what I started doing:

• acknowledging feelings about my body as they arise and countering them with love
• mentioning that I am learning to accept myself and my body when others discuss weight loss.
• eating freely and without judgment (yes, even when I'm stress-eating for comfort)
• doing movements that my body loves (yoga, short or long walks, stretching)
• incorporating more active hobbies (walking with kids, volleyball, basketball) 
• resting my body 
• wearing clothing that I love
• practicing thought-stopping when being negative toward others and myself

Those felt so good to write and acknowledge!

Here's what I aspire to do:
​

• connect with others who are on a journey of self-love
• develop relationships with others that love activities (art, creativity, activism, growth..etc.)
• become what I love without judging or discussing what I dislike 

What I learned about myself: 

• I no longer feel the need to workout or have  a  'cheat' meal
• I feel guilt less often if I lounge around the house or am not 'active'
• I don't binge eat  anymore and can push the plate away before stuffing myself
• I don't feel good or bad when I have to go up or down a size in clothing

So, there's that and do with the information what you may, lol.