What We Have, We Give
Aug 26, 2019
I can tell you until I’m blue in the face why I believe so firmly that everyone can benefit from personal development. But instead I want to share one way it has helped me.
I’m *finally* making peace with my body.
Honestly, I never thought it would happen!
I went from hating my body to now making great progress in accepting it. I knew I had to make a change so I didn’t pass my insecurities to my daughters. Maybe this is something you've never thought about or it's just starting to cross your mind as a parent.
Sayings like ... "ugh, my stomach is fat and hanging over my pants!" or "nothing fits my fat ass!" or "if I could just lose 10 lbs, my clothes would fit so much better!" used to roll off my tongue with no thought.
It was like I was used to making these statements about myself. And I was OK with it. I think I felt better if I just let the words out. Even though it only escalated how much I hated my body. Looking back, I didn't realize how negative it was. Or how toxic it was to me feeling happy, in general. But ya know what they say ... hindsight is always 20-20.
There were times I didn't want to leave the house to go out with friends because I couldn't find anything to wear that I felt good in. Other times, I would go through my whole closet praying something would fit and I'd be happy at my reflection. This was my life all.the.time. And it was exhausting!
If you're in the midst of this ... I see you, I feel you, I understand you!
Just know that my thought process did not change overnight. It took quite of bit of work to reprogram my thoughts mainly because I wasn't even aware of them in the first place. I know that sounds strange, but have you ever just listened to your thoughts? It may surprise you.
And once I became aware of them, I had to fight against them from sabotaging me. And the more I did this, the easier it got. Yet, I still didn't love my body or even accept it for that matter.
It wasn't until I realized that my words and how I see my body is something that I will eventually put on my children. Just them overhearing me talk badly about myself is enough to plant that seed into their heads.
That alone was my fuel to make significant changes.
Kids are a-l-w-a-y-s watching AND listening … just look at how Nyla is posing in this picture. She thinks I'm beautiful and wants to be just like me.
Less badgering of my body, a love for clothes, appreciation instead of disappointment ... all this has made my ten minute a day investment sooooo worth it.
I'll end with this ... what we have, we give. We cannot give what we don't have. ♥︎
Please, if you want to know more about what personal growth books are, why I love them or how it fits into your life, then shoot me a message or comment below. I promise I don’t bite or judge!
oh and PS - I actually created an *online* bookclub for ladies just like me and you so we can grow together. Check it all out here!