Dear Susan,
I come to you with a conundrum that I am hoping you can help me untangle.
How can I continue to love myself while embarking on a journey of weight loss and trying out new things?
Now, I know you’re thinking, “Why so serious? Just laugh it off and eat a salad!” But trust me, this is no laughing matter. As I strive to reach my fitness goals and step outside my comfort zone, I find myself grappling with self-doubt and insecurities. How can I find the humor in the ups and downs of this journey while showing myself the kindness and compassion I deserve?
I eagerly await your witty wisdom and comedic counsel.
Sincerely,
On the Scale and Afraid
Dear On the Scale and Afraid,
Maintaining self-love while trying to shed a few pounds and tackle new adventures in midlife is an age-old conundrum. It’s a bit like trying to put on false eyelashes after watching a YouTube tutorial; it’s hard!
But fear not, dear reader, because I’m here with a trusty (and slightly comedic) self-love, weight-loss, doing-new-things guide.
First, let’s tackle the weight-loss beast. Remember: those extra pounds didn’t just sneak up on you in the dead of night and attach themselves like unwanted barnacles. They were earned; perhaps through delightful dinners, celebratory cakes, and the occasional stress-induced chocolate-chip-cookie binge. Give yourself a pat on the back for living life with gusto! Now, as you bid those pounds adieu, do it with a sense of celebration; not deprivation. Every pound lost is a victory lap around the kitchen — maybe even literally, if you’re into that sort of exercise.
Next up, the insecurity about new challenges. Trying something new can feel like moving to a new town where you don’t know a soul: exciting, a bit scary, but full of potential!!! Full of potential — how good does that sound, especially in midlife?
Here is a little secret: just do the thing. And do it day in and day out. Because anyone attempting something new is not good at it at first.
Yes, even those shredded fitness instructors and zen-like yoga masters were once beginners who tripped over their own feet or almost passed out during hot yoga. Embrace the awkwardness! When I was going through my weight-loss journey, I started my Instagram account to hold myself accountable. I posted pictures of me overweight in a bikini! And nothing bad happened!! The trick is to wear the uncomfortable things like a badge of honor! Every step, and even a stumble and fall, is a step towards growth.
And about that self-love, think of it as the glue that holds this whole midlife masterpiece together. Treat yourself like you would a newborn baby. Would you tell the baby the things you tell yourself? Of course not! You’d cheer them on knowing all the potential that lies ahead for them. Do the same for yourself! Write love notes to your body, thanking it for all the amazing things it can do (even if it’s just managing to get out of bed without groaning too loudly). Celebrate small victories and laugh off the setbacks. Don’t break promises to yourself. Find humans, like you, that are doing harder things, and be inspired. Self-love is about seeing your worth beyond the scale and the skill set. It’s unconditional.
So, there you have it. Embrace the journey, laugh at the stumbles, and keep loving yourself fiercely. After all, life is too short to spend it worrying about loose skin and awkward starts. You’ve got this!
And here’s a little mantra to keep you going:
“I am fabulous at every age, every stage, and every size. My journey is mine to celebrate, stumble through, and shine my light! I’m unstoppable, fierce, and undeniably me.”
Now, go out there and conquer those challenges with a smile — and maybe a piece of dark chocolate (this is my treat), because self-love sometimes tastes sweet.
Oh, and I rhyme, too!
