Hi Everyone!
Aren't these great photos?
I was so happy that day, thinking about all the new ventures in front of me.
But when I saw the pictures, I immediately went into days of BODY SHAME.
I'm sixty years old, you'd think I'd be over that by now. But, no. Every negative voice I'd every heard came up for me.
"Look at that belly!"
"Look at your round face!"
My grandmother, mothers, aunties, father, diet coaches, PE teachers, dressmakers all thought they were trying to be helpful. All they wanted for me was my best life - as a slender girl.
I went in to my closet and stood in front of the mirror. As I touched each item of clothing that fit me now, I repeated each of their offending messages.
"If you only lost ten pounds, you'd be the most beautiful girl in the world."
I imagined each person, said their statement and thanked them for caring about me.
Then I let it go.
I concentrated again on how I feel and who I am, not how I look.
I also know that I look just fine.
Part of accepting our clients as they are is accepting ourselves as we are.
Coming to terms with my disability and how the disease has changed my body is an ongoing process. It continues to progress and I can only make the best of what I have - every day.
When we find that deep well of self love,
and we drink from it every day,
it transforms how we see and treat others.
When we concentrate on delight and pleasure (not values of my stoic German ancestors)
it allows us to accept ourselves
and others and be at ease with life.
So that is what I wish for you today -
pleasure, abundance, and delight
with those who truly care for you!
Next message will be about my newest venture: online classes! After two years, I have three courses ready to launch!
