The Missing Link to Weight Loss
Every year I’m always stunned by how quickly advertisers start promoting the next holiday. For example, starting January 1st you’ll see items for Valentine’s Day and immediately after Valentine’s Day you begin seeing things for Easter.
It’s crazy. Just one right after the other.
I feel like the same thing is happening now with spring and summer regarding “getting bikini ready”. Which, by the way, I saw this awesome quote on The Huffington Post:
“We happen to believe that if you’re physically able to put on a bathing suit, you’re bikini-ready.” (Article here.)
Awesome, right?
As much as I 100% agree with the quote above, I also believe our bodies are meant to be cherished and taken good care of. Which, sometimes means taking responsibility and facing the truth that losing a few hibernation (or divorce, break-up, rejection, job-loss, etc.) pounds would be good for us.
You probably know I am a proponent of health – which comes in all shapes and sizes. I also believe you are the CEO of your body and if you come to a point where your health is suffering because of excess weight, then it’s time to do something about it.
In fact, a few of my clients are focusing on weight loss right now. Which I fully support. Our focus is on changing their habits out of love versus punishment.
Example: “I’m choosing to eat this fresh salad today because I want to nourish my incredible body who has been telling me she needs some more greens!”, versus, “I have to eat this stupid salad in order to get skinny so I can feel good when I go to my friend’s wedding.”
In the first she’s choosing love. In the second, she’s choosing punishment.
One of the most loving choices you can make in your life that will support any and EVERY goal from weight loss to financial independence is to . . .
Experience More JOY!
Robin is to Batman, what Joy is to Weight Loss (or any goal for that matter). (Tweet It!)
Joy catapults you into expansion, creativity and possibility. It pulls you forward out of the worry, anxiety, fear and other negative emotions that keep you weighted down – emotionally and physically.
So, the first thing I have my weight loss clients do is figure out what brings them joy and then actively do those things.
Now, you’d be amazed at how difficult that first step is for a lot of people. Figuring out what makes us happy can be quite challenging. Most of us have become very serious in our adulthood. Serious about reaching our goals and trying to figure them all out in our head.
Which, is part of the problem. Our rational, ego-mind likes to tell us all the reasons we can’t do the things that would make us happy. According to it, we don’t deserve to feel good until we’ve completed our goal.
And, that is completely bass ackwards! You deserve to feel good today simply because you are here on this planet. Period. And feeling good IS what’s gonna help you lose the weight, increase your income, improve your relationship, etc.
So, your assignment—should you choose to accept—is to create a Joy List. I even invite you to share your list in the comments below. I’ll get you started.
My Joy List:
* Dancing
* Hiking with my pups
* Learning something new (I LOVE learning!)
* Rock climbing
* Laughing with Friends
* Having a glass of wine at 3pm b/c it feels naughty
* Traveling
* Playing with my pups
* Reading on my hammock
* Creating collages
* Puttin’ on a snazzy outfit just for the heck of it
These are just a few things. Enough for you to get the idea.
Once you have your list, pick one of the activities and put it into your calendar. Make it a priority and DO IT.
The more you make joy a priority, the more comfortable you get feeling it…and before long, you’ll realize you’ve lost a few pounds or your pants are fitting a little more loosely.
And, BAM! That’s the magic of joy.
Now, I want to hear from you. Besides sharing what’s on your Joy List, I’m curious if you’ve found this philosophy to be true in your own life? Let me know below.
Wishing you a weekend full of smiles,
Amber