As much as we can ALL shake our heads wondering where Summer went and how the F-all are we back to school(ish) already, TRULY, when better to deal with one of the most important areas of our lives?
Our body and health.
You’ve no doubt heard us say it, but come on, it’s true! Our body is the most important vehicle we own, drive, and, yes, even live in! And although many of us (myself included!) have tolerated driving a decent, to mediocre, to crappy “car” in our lifetime, sometimes even “parking” it for extended periods of time…should we?
No way.
No matter what shape, size, capacity, your ideal for yourself is when it comes to the vehicle you call home (your body), we promise, you have one. And, well, given there’s ‘no time like the present,’ we’re also thinking there’s also no time like a pandemic to take matters into our own hands, care about what we put in our mouths – or what we say to ourselves when we look in the mirror – and how we feel about our bodies.
Inside AND out.
For the last 15 years, I have been an exercise lover, proudly wearing my favorite jeans long term, and enjoying what my body can do.
But in the years before that, not so much…I was larger and unhealthier than my ideal for myself, pretty darn grumpy, whiny, tired, and a carb/sugar-addict who felt that eating crap was my right. My favorite saying, no kidding, was “why would anyone sweat on purpose?” I thought people who took care to eat well and exercise were pretentious.
How convenient, right?
It wasn’t until a dear, and luckily for me, honest friend (lovingly) pointed out to me that I was gaining significant weight (growing out of my mom’s hand-me-downs) that I woke up to my dream in this area. I had always imagined myself as healthy, and I truly was not aware of how far from the truth my story was until she said something.
I am grateful I didn’t have to wait for a health crisis to set me on a much healthier path. And I want to make sure you don’t either. I promise most of us aren’t fully aware of the toll bad food choices and lack of exercise are having on every area of our lives. Likewise, we don’t know how fantastic and prideful committing to change will be.
1. Stop resisting that we have to deal with our body and health.
It comes with being human. It’s just the childlike “brat” in your head that wishes it were different or wants what it wants when it wants it. Period.
Mature adults recognize that it’s actually a privilege to learn to make good choices. In fact, it’s what differentiates us from children. We can delay gratification, and when we do, lo and behold, we feel better about ourselves. Turns out, we can be in charge of our own hands (and mouths). As goofy as that sounds, most of us forget it.
2. Recognize that dealing with your body and health will make everything better.
Wait, read that again and let it sink in. Starting with your self-respect, self-confidence, and ever-important self-love. You’ll be more focused, alert, and better rested. You will notice an improvement in your love life, family life, sex life, and your professional life. That is a big bang for your buck, right?
3. Tell people about your new intentions and be specific.
Go public with your goals. In other words, don’t keep your promises to yourself and private. Find an accountability buddy or buddies (why not turn to your Inner.University classmates?). [P.S. way different than a drinking buddy. Unless it’s X ounces of water you’re drinking!!] And make sure your goals and promises are specific. Not just “I want to lose X pounds or get healthier this year,” but, for example, “I want to lose one pound a week and I am going to do it by XYZ method.” Or in the next three months, I’m going to schedule (and go to) all of the doctor appointments I have been putting off: mammogram, gyno, dermatologist, internist, and, yes, even the dentist.
(Did you just hyperventilate?!)
4. Set yourself up to win by starting with a realistic goal and realistic limitations.
As long as you are successfully moving toward your dream, whether it’s healthily losing weight, or re-sculpting, or even gaining, depending on your dream, schedule in milestone rewards with your buddy and/or coach, so you are in a game that sets you up to feel more proud than deprived.
5. Be wildly proud that you are going for your dream.
Know that it means you are going to have to tackle the voices in your head every day and you’ll have to face fears too (that’s your “brat” and your “chicken” and they can be so convincing!) From selling you (or me) I deserve “it,” to convincing you (or me) that gluten-free means healthy, or that counting nuts (12 almonds?! Are you kidding me) is nuts, and so on.
Truth is, many of us are swallowing what we really think or feel, more than just the food, and are keeping extra weight or delaying wellness exams to avoid dealing with the deeper issues, whether it’s fear of intimacy or facing something that isn’t working in our lives. So be proud that you are willing to let those things come up and finally and forever deal with them.
If not now, when? This is your life! Take the wheel. I know from my own experience how good it feels to treat your body as sacred. It’s the only one you got.
If you’re ready to take this courageous next step, sign up for our 8-Week Inner.University Course, Body 101: “Let’s Get Physical” Integrity with the sweetest sugar-free coach we’ve got, Hildie Dunn. It’ll enlighten you to the power you have over your body and food choices. It’s never too late to embark upon this mission – the ride of your life – to live as your healthiest and happiest self!
No need to drive solo. Let us help. Nothing HG hearts more than riding shotgun with you to your dreams.
Love,
Laurie
P.S. InnerU.Life is a 12 session online course that gives you the tools to hack into your own life, hone your dreams, and have every last thing you want in the areas that matter most to you: CAREER, MONEY, LOVE, TIME, FAMILY, and HEALTH. Do this life thing better from wherever, whenever.
Laurie Gerber is a Senior Coach and Co-President of Handel Group® Life Coaching. For over 15 years, Laurie has led international events and private coaching courses. She has appeared on MTV’s True Life, A&E’s The Marriage Test, Dr. Phil and TODAY.
Image courtesy of Blubel.
