The phrase “honor your body” gets tossed around frequently in the wellness world. So much so that the power of this message may have become diluted.
Honoring your body is the key to healthy and happy living.
This simple phrase may represent different things to different people – but to me, it means treating myself like the most sacred and precious being on the planet.
And if you think that sounds unbelievably selfish, I’ll have to respectfully disagree.
People who feel good tend to do good. They take care of others and spread joy.
We only have one body. One shot at this thing called life. Why not make it the most glorious life possible? A life filled with love, harmony, kindness and vitality – instead of shame and self-hate.
Am I practicing what I preach 24/7? Oh heck no. Just ask my husband.
But as each year passes, I spend more time honoring and respecting my body and less time diminishing it through negative self-talk and unhealthy actions.
As a once obese girl who battled an eating disorder for nearly 10 years, I can promise you that honoring your body feels so much better than being at war with it. It changes everything.
I can also tell you that self-acceptance is a choice we make and an act that needs to be practiced daily and forever. An act I will never stop immersing myself in.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…eat when my stomach is rumbling instead of ignoring the hunger. Starving myself thin never worked out well for me (or anyone).
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…move my body in a way that feels energizing.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…take a break from the gym when my muscles are screaming and ignore that whole push through the pain nonsense. I’ve found that “pushing through” is a direct route to bigger and more debilitating injuries.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…nap when I’m exhausted.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…recognize that my body is a miracle and that I am in the exact body I need right now in order to be me.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…treat my body with understanding and kindness.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…let go of worry.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…do not allow other people to steal my joy.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…say yes to things that excite me, fill me up and expand my horizons and no to those that will likely deplete me.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…surround myself with people who respect me, challenge me, make me smile and lift me up.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…savor the occasional piece of chocolate or glass of fruity Merlot – without guilt.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…make time for monthly massages.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…forgive myself and others freely.
When I’m honoring my body, I…
…know that I am good enough, just as I am.