I try to practice what I preach.
While I’m far from perfect, my self-care is a priority. Most of the time, I eat healthy food, make meditation and moving my body a part of my daily routine, and strive to get adequate sleep.
And I focus on appreciating myself and what I contribute to the world.
But I got a strong message yesterday during a Reiki session that I’m not following the advice I give to my clients. That I’m not being as gentle with myself as I could be, that I’m letting old fear get in the way of showing up as my fullest and brightest self—as Who I really am—and that I’m not fully loving myself.
I’ve come a long way, but clearly I have more work to do!
The good news—and what I tell my clients—is that every layer of fear, resistance, and self-judgment that we let go of makes our lives better and better. And we never finish finding new layers that we have the opportunity to release.
Bottom line: the better life gets, the better it can get.
And honestly, the message I received wasn’t that surprising.
- I’m aware of how self-critical I can be when my eating is less than perfect, which has been more frequent in the past few weeks.
- I’m aware of the judgments that can still come when I look in the mirror.
- I’m aware of holding my loving and exuberant-self back from dancing down the street—and many other things—out of fear of what other people will think.
- I’m aware that how I express myself in my dress and physical appearance is based on old rules and other’s expectations.
- I’m aware of the fear of judgment I have because I’m guiding women to love their way slim—and I am not as slim as I could be. There is definitely a part of me that feels like I need to have 8 percent body fat and be ripped to be a legitimate example. I see the coaches who are that, and I negatively compare myself.
Just imagine all the layers I’m not aware of!
So as I encourage you to do the work to transform your mind to get the body you want, know that I’m doing the same. That I’m focused on peeling those catabolic inner layers because that is Who I want to be and how I want to live my life.
- I want to be gentle and easy with myself.
- I want to feel good about each decision I make.
- I want to look in the mirror and bask in appreciation and love.
- I want to fully be me and express myself.
- I want to be confident in the value that I am providing each of you fabulous readers and to my amazing clients.
No matter what. From exactly where I am.
I’m not perfect, but I am willing to do the work.
How about you?
Together we can do it!
Goss Coaching 
Reblogged this on The Aura Reader and commented:
I like this post because far too many people wait to take action in their lives, or to help others, until they think they are “perfect,” or perfectly qualified, etc. The problem is that this often never happens, and it isn’t necessary anyway! All you need to give someone a hand up is to be just one small step ahead, and most people will be grateful for the lift, so why hold back? All we have is the present moment, so let’s try to be present in the moment! 🙂
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Much appreciation. Progress not perfection!
Hi Hanna. Great post once again! It is an ongoing process taking care of ourselves. It sure is! I try to remind myself to be “Body Smart” on a continuous basis. I am not perfect either. All we can do is really try to do the best we can . Have a wonderful weekend. Renee L(
Thanks, Renee! Absolutely! Self-care is an on-going process. You never get it done. Everyday you get a new opportunity to make new decisions. Plus, we are learning–and changing–every step of the way. Glad we are both trying to do the best we can–and to have your support! Thank you! Have a great weekend! Hanna
I appreciate your support as well Hanna. Have a great week. 🙂
You, too, Renee!
Indeed. . . pretty hard on myself this week. And disappointment breeds even more lack of energy and intensity in me. I call it “circling the drain”. . . Thanks for throwing me a life jacket and towing me out!
What a great description–Circling the drain. So glad this blog helped. What else do you do to help stop the momentum? Much appreciation!
I wish I knew. . . . still working on it. Signing up for an event where I have to prepare. I guess I need goals. . .
Great insight! What goal would inspire you right now?
I was just looking at the 2012 Jingle Bell Run/Walk on the Saturday of Thankgiving. . . that might have to be it. 🙂
It might have to be the 2012 Jingle Bell Run/Walk just after Turkey Day. . . .
How inspiring does that feel?
Thank you for this very honest post….totally resonates for me!
Thanks, Cathy! So appreciate you!