Working as a team

One of the things I love about being a health counselor and wellness coach is helping people tap into their own innate wisdom, the body's understanding of what it needs.  So often, throughout our lives, we disconnect ourselves from our bodies -- particularly if we have a poor body image coupled with low self-esteem.  We pit ourselves against our body, ashamed of how it looks, how flabby it is, how skinny it is, its wrinkles, its scars.... We focus on the defects, and somehow, so easily we overlook the beauty that exists.  "I'll be beautiful when ____."  How do you fill in the blank?  When "I'm 10 pounds lighter"?  When "I get that botox treatment"?  When "I fit into my wedding dress"?

Try focusing on the inside.  When it comes to food, or self-care, or exercise, ask your body what it needs.  And then be present enough to listen.  If you are craving something sweet, ask yourself, "Do I want something sweet to eat, or do I really need to be sweet to myself?"  Envision what that sweet thing looks like.  It could be time for a massage, the need for a hug from a friend, a pedicure, or taking time for yourself to read that book you haven't gotten to yet.  Or, it could be a piece of chocolate!  Reacquaint yourself with your body and see what happens!

What I love about supporting my clients in listening to that inner voice is that they learn so much about themselves.  "I've never respected my body because I've always been overweight," said one client.  "I thought that my body was working against me, and never considered actually listening to what it needs."  It becomes about mindfulness.  Stopping to think, "what do I really want to eat today?"  Deciphering cravings and figuring out it's not ice cream I want, but that something rich and creamy like whole-fat yogurt with fresh berries will do the trick.  And then, trusting yourself enough to give it a try!