So we’re not going to rapidly try and get our bodies back to where they were because that’s not who we are and there’s no point living in the past. Rafiki said it best,
“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” - Rafiki, The Lion King
Now we have a new shape, another lockdown, and we’re all facing the question: Now What?
We’re not going to keep clothing that no longer serves us. Clothes that no longer fit or don’t make you feel good. Donate or toss.
Clear out your clutter! I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again and probably again after that. Physical clutter leads to mental fog. If you take some time to clear out your closet, your room, any place that you hang out a lot you’ll notice yourself start to feel like you’re able to breathe again.
I get that you may not be ready to let some of your favourites go. But pack them away out of sight. Fill a suitcase or put them in a box. Having them in your closet is a negative reminder every day that of however that garment makes you feel. When you don’t feel good, how can you expect to feel happy?
Something else we’re going to do to get us out of this second lockdown funk? Move. I know, the gyms are closed. I get it, I’m sad about it. We’re not going to judge our bodies for how they have changed.
However, your body has changed know that it can and will change again. For me, I’ve lost so much of my physical strength. Being strong was how I would self identify. It’s frustrating to see that fade away. I’m working on embracing my own body for what it can do instead of focusing on what I no longer can.
What’s more difficult it that because of this my shape is changing.
THIS IS NORMAL.
It is normal that your body has changed over the last year. It is NORMAL to not fit into the clothing that you did last year. Do you fit into the clothes you were wearing in high school? No, probably not.
Embrace your new shape, thank your body for what it does for you, and get yourself some clothes that make you FEEL good about yourself.
And look for new ways to move. I can’t lift but I can run… poorly mind you and with tears turning to icicles on my face, but it happens.
Here's a link to get you started with yoga.... cause it's easier than running.
"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't." - Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
This last habit I’ve adapted may seem a bit strange, but I learned this technique when I was learning how to copy write. Journal.
I’m not kidding. I the best copywriter in the world? No. But what I did learn is that a technique to learn copywriting is to handwrite pieces of (good) copy. The act of writing by hand is how you start rewiring your brain. Which is pretty cool.
What scary thing do you want to work through? Write it out and see if it helps. I have no quote for this one but I can find one if you want.
Don’t know what to write? Start with the phrase, “I am worthy.” See where your mind goes from there.
