Why “Weight” To Be Happy
Recently, I was thinking about a friend I used to work with years ago. Everyday, she would walk to an empty conference room in our office building where there was a scale left behind from a Weight Watchers program.
She would weigh herself at least once, often twice, each day. On most days I would join her, usually just to watch this ritual, but sometimes to weigh myself too.
I always asked her why she felt the need to constantly weigh herself, a question I started asking myself as well. What always confused me was the fact that she was, and still is, drop-dead gorgeous and not the least bit overweight. And, to top it off, she’s incredibly intelligent, funny, and kind.
Imprisoned By Numbers On A Scale
So, why is it that women with so much beauty inside and out become imprisoned by numbers on a scale?
The more I accompanied her on her daily ritual, the more it began to frustrate me. Finally, in protest, I went home one day and threw my bathroom scale in the dumpster behind my home. I wondered what it would be like to start determining the course of each day based on what my body felt like, instead of what it looked like.
So, what’s it really about? Is it an attempt to adhere to unrealistic standards of beauty? Maybe.
But, I think it extends much deeper into our relationship with self. Most people, at their core, really just want to experience peace, balance, and happiness. The mistake many of us make, is searching for these things outside of ourselves. “When I have the perfect” body, job, relationship, etc. I will be happy and life will be amazing. But, here’s the catch – when you acquire those things, you’re still the same person with the same attitudes, beliefs, and personality.
The Answer Lies In Embodiment
I believe the answer lies in embodiment. What does that mean? It means really inhabiting your body and your life in the present.
Accept and appreciate yourself exactly as you are in this moment and start showing yourself some love by:
Nourishing your body with healthy, whole foods that make you feel great;
Trading exercise for movement – rather than chain yourself to a treadmill, engage in activities you really enjoy doing, such as walking in nature, dancing in your living room, or kayaking;
Spending quality time with loved ones; and
Doing things you want to achieve in life now, instead of waiting for perfect conditions to present themselves.
We spend so much time trying to create healthy relationships with our families, friends, and partners. But, what would happen if you invested that same energy into your relationship with yourself? After all, it’s the most important relationship you have.
Ready To Do A Deep-Dive Into Your Personal Health?
If you’re seriously looking for a health coach to help you dive deep into your personal health (from a holistic, whole-body approach), I offer a completely free 20-minute consultation where we can get to know one another — think of it like having virtual coffee together! Share your current health concerns, and I'll explain what working together looks like. No pressure at all. I want what’s best for you!
There are many wonderful natural strategies that can be highly supportive in addressing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). But every person experiences MCAS differently, and there is no single diet, supplement, or medication that will work for everyone.
So, it will take some time and experimenting with both conventional and natural remedies (under the guidance of a health care practitioner) to see what works for you. But taking a holistic approach that addresses your body, mind, AND spirit is the “secret sauce” to healing. Continue reading for the strategies I use with clients and in my “Managing Mast Cells Course” (coming soon).