I don't talk about this a lot, but I'm smack in the middle of middle-age. And, in full transparency, I don't always like it. Sometimes it makes me feel really insecure and frightened. Other times I celebrate it because someone with less life experience will come to me asking for advice (or just to confide in or hold space for them in a non-judgmental way) when they're struggling and I can usually help them.
One of the most challenging parts of middle-age is that we become more aware that life is uncertain. The truth is, life has always been uncertain but many of us don't wake up to this fact until later in life.
In my effort to feel more comfortable with uncertainty, sometimes I ponder about the things in my life that are certain. You know, the things I can count on no matter what.
Here is my short list of things that make me feel better when things feel a little out of control and I need something to ground myself. I've shared many of these things during client sessions, when it seemed applicable, and my clients have gotten some relief from them. Perhaps you will too. Here goes:
Honoring our bodies - The more often we tune-in to ask our bodies what they need, the better they are likely to function physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Be mindful - The more we live in the moment and stop lamenting over what was (specifically about our weight, size, foods we ate and/or didn't eat), the less stress and regret we'll experience in our lives now.
Compassion - The more self-compassionate we are to ourselves, the more likely we are to adopt healthier behaviors.
Permission - The more permission we give ourselves to be who we are (at any shape or weight), eat what we truly desire to eat, wear what we like wherever we like, and share time on Earth with people we love, the more fulfilling our lives will be.
Movement - The more we move our bodies in ways that feel good instead of for reasons that may just make us look "good", the more sustainable and joyful the movement will be.
Boundaries - The more healthy boundaries we establish, the more often our needs will be met, which usually translates to less overall frustration.
Comparison - The less we compare, the less we'll despair.
Purpose- The more we acknowledge that our presence on Earth is necessary and that we serve a higher purpose, even if we don't know what it is right now, the easier it will be to discover what our true purpose is.
Acceptance - The more we accept life on its terms and stop trying to change and/or manipulate the outcomes (including weight, size and shape) the more at peace we'll be.
Gratitude - The more grateful we are, the more things we'll notice we can be grateful to have.
I'm curious, what kinds of things help to ground you when you're feeling uncertain about your life?
How do life's uncertainties affect your relationship with food and body?
If you're tired of battling with your weight, fed up with the cycle of yo-yo dieting, and yearning to be free from your obsessive thinking about food and your body, schedule your complimentary Embrace Anti-Diet Living Connection Session.
We’ll get clear on where you are now, what you want instead, and what might be getting in the way of your success.
I’ll also share some powerful recommendations and resources to get you started on creating a peaceful relationship with your body and food.