I talk a lot in my blog and on my Facebook page about embracing a new mindset. The old days of only being concerned about weight loss are gone. It's time to shift your thinking.
I believe that all women are beautiful. I believe that God created us to be so much more than attractive beings for men or others to ogle. In my opinion, true beauty comes from a) knowing who you are b) embracing your flaws and c) living your purpose.
When we focus solely on the number on the scale, the size of our jeans and the space we take up, we are truly limiting our possibilities. Frankly, it's exhausting worrying about things like, "am I thin enough? Am I pretty enough? Will people judge me if I don't look a certain way?"
My pastor at church said something really profound a couple of weeks ago in a sermon. "Who told you that? Who told you that you weren't good enough?"
It's so simple, yet so true. Who set these unreachable standards? Who gets to decide what's "in or out?" All throughout history, the standard of beauty for women has changed. But the truest standard of beauty that will never go out of style is one that is ordained by God. He created you: perfect, beautiful, amazing YOU!
The truth is, when you are secure in who you are and the God who created you to live His purpose for your life, you don't give a flip about what others have to say. That's the enemy talking. Don't let him into your thoughts. Shift your thinking.
I know all of this is easier said than done. I'm a work in progress when it comes to my thoughts and how they influence my thinking and actions.
So, as I stated above, when you know WHO you are (I'm fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14) and you are LIVING your purpose, it becomes easier to EMBRACE your flaws, which is the biggest step in accepting your body and starting to shift your thinking.
Surround yourself with positive people who lift you up and encourage you. Maybe it's time to do a friend-detox.
Speak kindly about yourself. People laugh when I tell them to speak aloud positive affirmations about their body in the mirror. But, thoughts become things and the more you outwardly speak positively about your body, the more your mind will follow suit.
Exercise and eat well because it makes you feel good. The weight loss and aesthetic improvements will come. Look, there's nothing wrong with wanting to lose a few pounds or feel better in your clothes. But I'm telling you, when you focus on improving the health of your body rather than punishing it, making better choices becomes easier and the weight loss will happen.
Love your body the way it is right now. Don't wait for it to be thinner, leaner or more muscled. Find things you love about your body and embrace your flaws. Speaking from experience, no matter how "lean" you get, you will always find things about your appearance that you wish you could change. Focus on the positive.
If you need some accountability or don't know where to start your journey, I'd love to help.
xoxo,
Coach Steph
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for motivation, tips and humor. Reach out to me privately if you're ready to shift your thinking.
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