Losing Weight is NOT Your Life's Purpose
Losing Weight Is NOT A Life’s Purpose
Did anyone need to hear this today? Me too.
I’m finally getting past the idea that losing 10 pounds is what stands between me and a fulfilled life. But I have my days. You know the ones…where you look in the mirror and nothing is right. And your life seems to hinge on the numbers: weight, calories, macros, steps, miles, reps, or minutes on the treadmill.
I can’t begin to describe the amount of time and energy I’ve put into worrying about these things. Quite honestly, I don’t want to think about all that’s been squandered when I could have focused on stuff that matters…like saving the world from diet culture…or at least enjoying my life and my family.
When you are deep in the recesses of your mind ruminating about your body, it’s very hard to enjoy your life and it can be equally difficult to escape. But my message of hope is that it can be done, because I did it. It took a lot of time and patience, but remembering this kind of phrase helped me out of that darkness. Remembering that I am so much more than my physical body, helps me re-emerge as the kind, loving, and caring person I know myself to be. The one who has fun with her family. The great mom. The one who loves reading, and cooking, and hiking, and horses, and travel. The one who would do anything for a friend in need. Those are the things that make me who I am.
But I still sometimes need reminding. Self-acceptance is a practice. It is a practice that involves monitoring and, more importantly, challenging negative thoughts. Some of the phrases, questions, and activities that help me remember who I am apart from my physical body are:
Losing weight is not my life’s purpose.
What would I like my gravestone to say? “She who lies here really liked working out and had a perfect ass”, or “She who lies here was a much-loved mother, wife, and friend, who enjoyed life to the fullest”.
Making a list of my best non-physical attributes and hobbies: I’m a great mom. I like to go fishing. I like to cook. I love helping women discover true health and happiness through deep self care. I care about the environment and my community. I would do anything for my friends and family.
What legacy and values do I want to pass on to my daughter? What matters most in life? Appearance? Or love and care for self and community?
Taking care of my body and health doesn’t and shouldn’t require monumental levels of thought, effort, or restriction.
No matter how thin I get, my body will never be perfect enough for my perfectionist personality. Even when I reached my leanest, “most perfect” weight…I just found new things I didn’t like about my body.
Looking for more ideas to challenge your beliefs? See this post I wrote last year about reviving joy!
What is your life’s purpose? What makes you happy? What makes you, YOU?
Blog Author: Kelly Bailey, IIN certified holistic nutrition coach, and NPTI certified personal trainer
Learn more about the author here.