Does anyone know what day it is?
Another Christmas has come and gone. It was quiet and cozy, spent with my little family which I’m so grateful for. Winston had a blast, as always. Finally got to see my sister on Boxing Day, along with our traditional matching PJ’s.
The days between Christmas and New Years are some kind of time warp, like the airport. No one knows what time it is, there’s no such thing as “too early” for chocolate and booze, all food is calorie free and thank the lord for stretchy pants.
I won’t lie, I went head first into the holiday’s. My food choices could easily be compared to someone who’s eating like they are going to the electric chair (morbid, I know). However, I don’t have guilt - WHAT, crazy. I have been noticing my moods seem to be up and down and the sugar craving has crept back in. I’m sure it will be a few weeks to kick the sugar, but it will also be easier knowing that I made conscious decisions not riddled with guilt and self loathing.
With January comes the resolutions, I can’t help but think about all of the strong, beautiful women who will be swept up in diet culture - yet again. I am more than supportive of anyone who wants to take on a healthy way of living, for the right reasons. Most of us, myself included would go into January full of hope that it will “stick this time”. BUT, how in the hell can we expect to turn the corner when we’re doing it because we hate our bodies, our inner voice is always negative and critical? We expect perfection from ourselves, and have this all or nothing mindset that is so easy to derail. I’m not a Psychologist, I’m not qualified to help you determine what drives your inner voice. I do encourage you to work with a Psychologist - it’s something I think every single person should do.
What I can do for you, is remind you that you’re worth it. Reinforce that they key to a healthy lifestyle isn’t perfection but consistency and loving yourself right now - which means constantly showing up for you. What does showing up for yourself look like? Well, that depends on you. All it takes is one step, define your long term goals and then break it down into smaller first steps you can take. Start working on your inner voice, talk to yourself with compassion and kindness. There is no wrong first step.
Your job, family commitments, home, etc. all take from your cup - part of being healthy is prioritizing yourself mentally and physically so you can refill your cup and have enough to give.
If you’re heading into January with healthy living goals that’s awesome. Practise kind self talk, show up for yourself the way you’d show up for someone you love. Less than perfect days - who gives a shit. Show up the next day and keep going - YOU’RE WORTH IT.
