Body Image and Change of Mindset

As I sit here typing this post, my jeans are uncomfortably snug and my belly puffs up around the top edges unless I unbutton and unzip. Yeah, I have been indulging with all the holiday goodness: the food, the drinks, the sleeping-in, the less-than-usual workouts, and the lack of a consistent routine. It's really okay. I've been prioritizing my mental health more than anything, and many times over the past several weeks that has meant more foam rolling, more reading, more sleeping/resting, more junk TV, more walking with dog to let her sniff than walking alone for better cardio, etc. It's okay because I have been listening to what I need. Really listening; and after the past 2.5 years of emotional pain and transition, this has made a huge difference in how I perceive my health, my healing, my journey, and my body image.

Though I may be a bit heavier than I was or would like to be, I feel sexier than I ever have. And I think it's because of this listening to what I need and not doing what I think I am supposed to do based on the expectations and opinions of others. The grace I have been learning to give myself (I'm still a work in progress though) has been transformational in a way that connects me to myself more deeply and spiritually. It's amazing!

With 2025 just around the corner, I do plan to return to less indulgent foods and to my regular Pilates workouts and weights and long walks and dancing (oh, there will be dancing!) but only because I am now craving and wanting those authentically. I feel rested from the chaos and I'm now ready for the next chapters ahead of me. I'm not making any resolutions or starting any specific diets. Instead, I plan to continue to listen and move and enjoy this life, and this body I have finally made friends with (it only took 52 years). I still feel strong and healthy, and the jeans aren't judging me anyway. They're just happy I give them grace, too. ;-)