Charlene is a journey of mindful health and self-care
Posted on 11/03/2012 @ 7:42 PM
Today is my birthday. This morning I awoke with an entirely different way of thinking than I have for years. In years past, I would make a decision on my birthday to allow myself to eat whatever I wanted for the day, then tomorrow start my diet. Each year, I was determined to give myself the gift of health. By my next birthday, I was going to be lean, strong and in shape! It is a worthy goal, and I give myself a pat on the back for it. But, I was never successful. So, the same resolution would be made the next year, and the next. (I also made these resolutions on New Year’s Day.) I’d try again and again and again. Honestly, I also give myself credit for never giving up on my dream. So the last diet didn’t work, I’d try a new one. It had a new twist, maybe this time I could be strong enough to be successful. But, I wasn’t. This morning it is so different and what a welcomed change, instead of a “last supper,” a new diet, and dogged determination, I’m giving myself wisdom, love and self-acceptance. With Am I Hungry? I have the new wisdom of the eating cycles, I love what I’m eating and eating what I love (mindful eating is such an act of appreciation for myself and the food that nourishes me), and rather than the strict 2 lbs per week weight loss goal, I have a lovely new sense of purpose…daily life-affirming self-care. Today, I’m enveloped in gratitude for one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. Happy Birthday to me! Thank you, Dr. May, for this new perspective and for giving me much to celebrate.
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