Maybe you are reading this right now because you want to make a healthy lifestyle change. Maybe you want to eat right. Maybe you want to exercise more. I think it's wonderful anytime someone chooses to make a healthy lifestyle change...but I don't think it should be because you hate your body.
When we focus on what we dislike about ourselves, it can be destructive. It tends to lead to disappointment. Instead, try focusing on what you love about yourself. As women we criticize ourselves and we tend to see the stuff we dislike, or what we would change... instead of the stuff we love. It's time we start seeing the good things. Make an effort to acknowledge the things you love about yourself.
I've talked about Health vs. Vanity before because I think it's so important for women to make lifestyle changes for the right reasons. It's wonderful to want to improve our health by eating right and being active. When we do it for the right reasons, we will be happier and achieve our goals more easily. It will also last longer. So how do we do that?
Come from a place of self-love. Look in the mirror each day, smile and acknowledge at least 3 things you love about yourself. Everyone can come up with at least 3 things. As you go about your day and catch yourself saying (or thinking) something negative about yourself... remember those 3 things and change your focus. If you hear a friend doing the same thing...compliment them! :)
Think about the reasons why you want to make the changes you want to make, but state them in a positive way. Instead of saying, "I want to make a change because I hate my thighs", say "I want to make a change because I want to... improve my health, gain more confidence, or be strong!" It's okay to want to improve yourself, that's healthy. It's okay to love yourself now. Change doesn't happen overnight, so remember that you are on the right path...right now.
Don't wait until you achieve your goals to feel happy and proud. Feel proud along the way. Each step in the right direction is an achievement. It's a process. Feel happy now...while working toward your goals! :) Make a change because you love your body, not because you hate it.
