Falling in Love with Ourselves
Although what it means to live in alignment differs for each individual, the underlying theme is that this free-flowing state of being involves celebrating the wonderfully unique and infinitely beautiful self. The heartbreaking reality is that beautiful people are sleepwalking through life trying to be something they're not because they find it challenging to embrace themselves.
If we are not living your life in a way that best serves you mentally, emotionally, and physically - or worse, if we are living for others' approval - there is no end point. That critical voice won't stop if/when we lose weight, get a compliment, or have people lined up to date us. It will never be enough to quiet the incessant nagging, and perhaps only make it stronger. The validation game gets old fast.
Now, let's talk about "inner beauty." Although it is no secret that physical appearance is in fact valued in human society, it is also undeniably true that what happens internally translates to how we present outwardly. Health and confidence are visible. Big smiles and all-consuming laughter are visible. Taking care of one's self is not only visible, but absolutely breathtaking. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it is also important that it is not attached to a weight, size, makeup brand, or outfit. Beauty is loving your insides enough that the right people can see it on the outside.
Methods for strengthening the body and mind include nourishing the body with nutrient-dense whole food, focusing on the quality of our intimate relationships, moving the body in a way that feels good, meditation, journaling, and the list goes on. There is a point when the authentic self grows so strong that the once overpowering self-critical voice is far less intoxicating.
Then there are those people who help to bring out this part of ourselves. The people who celebrate the unfiltered, messy, beautifully unique whole person. Although it is ultimately up to us to create our foundation, there is something so special about the people who remind us of who we are.
We all have the potential to fall into the trap of falling out of love with ourselves and losing our authentic self. The body is truly amazing - it will turn to the most available option for survival amid trauma. The more we choose nourishment over starvation, calm over anxiety, community over isolation - that is when the power shifts. Maybe we begin to take ownership of our health. Maybe we say something kind to ourselves in the mirror or meet ourselves with grace when we enjoy a few too many holiday cookies (tis the season).
No matter how our innermost authentic selves manifest, actively participating in life from a place of empowerment as opposed to fear feels pretty damn good.
Journal Prompts (JPs):
When you look in the mirror what do you see? This is a place of safety, don’t judge what comes up for you, let it flow out of you.
What’s one thing you can do today to strengthen or nourish your body and/or mind?
Who is one person in your life right now that sees you for all that you are?
