Self Talk

"Are you gaining weight?", "Should you be eating that?", "When are you due?" (and you're not pregnant), and the list goes on. Is it just me or do you find it totally rude for people to find the need to say these things to you? Okay, the pregnancy question is probably a genuine question.  Whether it is your spouse, family member, coworker or even friend, what gave anyone the right to point out your weight gain, or take up the responsibility of being the "food police"? It may be coming from a good place, but it really is not helpful.  I would love to say what a lot of other articles or blogs would say: just tell them how that makes you feel.  And you can do that, especially if it happens to be your spouse or a good friend.  Unfortunately, from experience, that probably won't make much of a difference.

What can you do? Stop doing it to yourself! We are our own biggest critic and enemy.  How many times do you look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are fat, or focus on what you want to change? How many times do you tell yourself you can't lose weight, you are a failure? It may not be in those exact words, but we need to stop beating ourselves up!  Think about some of the things you say to yourself. Would you ever say those hurtful, mean things to someone else? Chances are no. Don't do it to yourself!

From this day forward start being positive and nice to yourself!  We all say I want to lose weight, or I need to lose weight. I want you to change that to I WILL Lose weight. I am GOING to lose weight.  You may not believe it at first, but if you keep thinking like that, you will  believe it. When you believe it, you will do it!  Don't just think it in your head. Say it out loud. Get in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eyes and tell yourself everyday. Say it with conviction. Tell yourself you are a success. Tell yourself you deserve it, you are worth it. Tell yourself "I love you".

                                                        Photo from Bing Images: hungertorecover.com

Of course you will need to start eating right, and exercising if you aren't doing that already.  But start with your mind, and your self worth. Be your own biggest cheerleader and feel good about yourself.  It will definitely help you deal with others that can easily bring you down. But most importantly it will help you help yourself.

~Misty S.