Page 48 - Diane Musgrove Issue

Unraveling the Influence of Relationships

on Our Weight Loss Journey:

L E T ’ S B EG I N WI TH SEL F

By Stephanie Lee

When it comes to losing weight, the What if, instead, we build ourselves self-acceptance, and a growth mindset.
real game-changer isn’t found on the up? Every time we start dwelling on past Weight loss becomes a side benefit to the
treadmill or in a diet plan but begins mistakes, saying mean and hurtful things personal growth and empowerment we
within ourselves. I know, I know, you don’t to ourselves, or otherwise reprimanding experience. We WANT to do things that
want to hear that. You’ve decided you’re ourselves, we’ve got to mentally stop that support our bodies instead of feeling that
ready to lose weight, and you just want it train right in its tracks. we HAVE to do those things.
gone, today or preferably yesterday. But, Try this: Say, out loud if you can, When we speak positively to our-
in all those programs that promised you “STOP” so the mind can hear that we’re selves, a fascinating thing happens. We
rapid weight loss and a beautiful, slim not going down that path. Then we can attract positive people who love and want
body in a matter of days, how many gave change tracks and remind ourselves of to support us. In the next area of rela-
you long-term results? Right. the amazing, beautiful, and brilliant be- tionships, we will consider Relationships
Improving our relationship with our- ings we really are. Even if we don’t believe With Others.
selves is the first step in creating positive that, say those positive things to yourself
relationships with others. Maybe you’re anyway.
thinking, “If only he/she would love me We absolutely must better our rela-
for me, then I’d feel good about myself.” tionship with ourselves by fully accepting
Or, “If they would just stop aggravating all aspects of who we are and recognizing
me, I’d be fine.” that we deserve all that we want in our
The truth is we’ve got to love ourselves lives. Only then can we expect to have
first. That sounds a little cheesy. But it’s better relationships with others, and
really the heart of the matter. This is our expect that they will treat us as well as we
primary relationship that precedes all oth- treat ourselves, or even better.
ers. If our foundation is shaky without love Developing this type of relation-
and respect for ourselves, there’s no way we ship with ourselves requires continual
can build a solid relationship life on top. diligence and being conscious of our
We’ve got to love ourselves completely thoughts on a daily basis, at least in
and unconditionally. Again cheesy, I know, the beginning. Eventually, it becomes
but no one can do that for us. automatic, but like learning any new skill,
Do you speak harshly to yourself? learning to love ourselves may be a bit
While I definitely continue working on mechanical at first. It takes time to grow a
this, sometimes I still find myself saying positive and loving relationship, espe-
things about myself inside my head that cially with ourselves, and especially if we
I would absolutely never say to another didn’t start off that way.
human being. That compassion we might So what does all this have to do with
show or feel for others must also be di- weight loss? Ultimately a healthy relation-
rected back to us. We’ve simply got to stop ship with ourselves offers personal em-
berating ourselves beginning now, right powerment so that we come to establish a
now. NO MORE! Agreed? Ok! healthy lifestyle from a place of self-love,

This is an excerpt from the soon-to-be-published book, “CONFESSIONS OF A
F.A.T. (FRUSTRATED AND TENACIOUS) FITNESS INSTRUCTOR, Finally, Win At
Fat Loss. The Struggle Is Real” by Stephanie Lee.
Stephanie is a Certified Healthy Weight Loss Behavior Coach offering support to
women who want to develop a healthy lifestyle in the midst of their busy and hectic lives.
Let Stephanie show you how you can make choices that enhance your life, even on those
days when you’re feeling dog-tired. For more information visit: www.theleemethod.com