When we are trying to make changes in our lives, so many of us just want to get to the part where we are confident and doing it well. But being human doesn't work like that. We need to practice before we become capable + confident. It can be such a relief to remind ourselves that we aren't skilled at something. That we’re still practicing. Give it a try. Instead of… I should be better at this. I should have this figured out by now. Say… I am still practicing. Doesn’t that feel 1,000,000 times better? There is relief in realizing that it is okay to stumble through change. There is relief in knowing that no matter how much we practice, we may never get to the part where we are confident and doing it … [Read more...] about I Am Practicing
Self Care
Messing Up is Part of the Process
About 10 years ago, I enrolled in a Weight Loss Coaching Certification program. I was already certified as a Health Coach with ACE, but that program didn’t teach about the mindset of weight loss. The new program was ALL about mindset. During my certification, I was asked to assess any overeating I did. What did I overeat? What were my sabotaging thoughts? But, I DID NOT DO IT. Why? Because I was beating myself up for not being perfect instead. I was too busy swimming in shame + comparison + judgement. How can a Health Coach possibly make mistakes?I’m supposed to be the example.Who would hire a coach that overate sometimes (or GASP, gained weight)? I tried SO HARD to do it all perfectly so I wouldn’t have to feel the … [Read more...] about Messing Up is Part of the Process
Ignoring the Pressure to Be Productive
COVID-19 has effectively blown through our lives like an F5 tornado and completely uprooted our sense of safety and normalcy. This is a situation unlike any we’ve experienced before. Most people are feeling a combination of unprecedented fear + uncertainty. When will I be able to (safely) fly and see my Mom again? Will my sister/husband/friend lose their job/business? Will there be toilet paper at the grocery store today? Will school reopen in the Fall? Another consequence of COVID-19 (and contributor to anxiety) is that we’re being urged to use this time to learn a new language or train for a half marathon or improve ourselves in some way. The pressure is convincing. I fully admit to moments where I considered … [Read more...] about Ignoring the Pressure to Be Productive
Giving Ourselves Grace
Hard times can break us - or they can help us grow into deeper + more compassionate human beings. And (I think) the difference between the two has to do with giving ourselves grace. It’s been a difficult winter. My husband lost his father suddenly a few months ago and my own Dad (who was very ill) passed three weeks later. Navigating two terribly sad events in a row reaffirmed that I am a strong woman. Stronger and more resilient than I gave myself credit for. But I am no superwoman. About a week after losing my Dad, I sat down on the trail during a hike because I was overcome with emotion. Some people might consider that a moment of weakness, but I considered it a victory. A few years ago, I would have pushed … [Read more...] about Giving Ourselves Grace