I feel so freakin’ proud of myself. One week! Food should not be used as a reward – which is hard to comprehend at first in our culture – nor should it be used as punishment (hiding in a bucket of ice cream, anyone?). Instead, I celebrated my first week of success and bought lavender oil. I love that stuff oh-so-much at bedtime; a few drops on my pillow or rubbed on the back of my neck … just lovely! I also bought some mineral salts for the next time I get a soak in the tub.
This morning I opened up an email message from Oprah’s 21-day meditation challenge, which I have completely failed to keep up with, and it was about being kind to your body. In the message for Day 4 of the challenge was this:
“Take a moment today to listen to a common message you send your body. Evaluate whether or not that message is one of kindness, respect, and love. If the message could be more loving, rephrase what you are telling your body and repeat that new message often throughout the day.”
I felt grieved with the messages I’ve been sending to my body: there’s a lot of shame. And the need to hide because my body is too fat, too defective, just not perfect. Most of my life this has been my ‘normal’ and maybe it’s time for a new ‘normal’.
This body of mine gave me the most precious gift and the light of my life in the form of my son. I can practice yoga. I can go for walks and feel the sunshine (well one day after this never-ending winter) on my skin. I use my hands to prepare real food for myself and my family. I can see God’s creation in nature and find a moment of peace. I breathe.
I am nourishing this physical body because it’s worth it. I am worth it!
I was in a hurry to get to the market on time so it was leftovers for b’fast! Garlic sausage, veggies, and an egg muffin. Oo, also had half a grapefruit – it couldn’t wait for the picture.
I ate an apple in between these 2 meals. No picture for you.
La Bodega nom nom: the bison burger with the sauteed onions and mushrooms also didn’t make it to the picture. No bun or cheese of course, but I did eat the bacon. Just mixed greens with olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the side. Also had a decaf coffee.
My hubby cooked these eggs with stuff in it. Not sure exactly what, but it looked like garlic sausage and veggies. He knows I’m on a Whole30, I trust him!
Love this recipe from Everyday Paleo: fried banana in coconut oil, topped with coconut milk, cinnamon, and pecans.
“The most fundamental and radical of these changes is learning how to love and accept your precious body right now. It is, after all, the temple that houses your soul.”
– Women’s Bodies Women’s Wisdom
