The Mental and Physical Experience

When you look in the mirror is your first instinct to wince or to smile? With all the rah rah cheerleading about body acceptance these days you would think it would be a whole lot easier to accept yourself and the body you live in! I have scars and spots from my struggle with eczema and felt like I had to hide beneath long sleeves and makeup. I didn’t want to go out with new people because I felt the need to explain to them why my skin looked the way it did. Loving yo...urself unconditionally is a lifetime pursuit. Especially in this society where at almost every turn we are reminded that we aren’t enough Social media influencers constantly talking about the easy ways to get the perfect body, skin or hair. But perfect isn’t real. It’s a lie. So let me tell you the truth. You are beautiful just as you are. And even if there are things you want to improve about your body think of it as a choice not a command. You are more than your body. You are your intelligence and your talents and your personality. Learn to celebrate one great thing about you everyday that has nothing to do with how you look. No one achieves self-acceptance overnight so be gentle with yourself. Have compassion for you. Everyone struggles with this. Eczema, extra weight, scars, wrinkles Bodies were never meant to be perfect. They were meant for work and play and love. I’m not gonna lie. I still battle with this but I am working hard at dropping the guilt and the shame. I want you to join me and we can work together on building a stronger relationship with ourselves. Are you in?

I don’t know about you but I am feeling a powerful month coming on for most of us That being said, here is some energy to push you through. The only way you can lose in anything is if you give up ... From here on out view every opportunity as a learning opportunity Get ugly with me this month - meaning get uncomfortable and really challenge yourself Intentions - I see this all over my Instagram but are you actually being intentional with your actions and your thoughts? or are you just saying it and reposting it/sharing on your story just for the hell of it LET THIS MONTH BE DIFFERENT 1 day at a time, choose to show up for yourself. Comment below and share what showing up for yourself means to you this month? for me, it’s getting up at my first alarm instead of snoozing until I’m running late and rushed PS. I had a blast at this photoshoot for @therealalchemy with the lovely @jennahill.co

Be an encourager. The world already has enough critics. - Dan Willis You should never underestimate the power of positive words. Telling someone that you believe in them iis such a gift. Lifting each other up is not always easy in a world that leans towards criticism and judgment. You have to be intentional about encouragement.... So warm someone’s heart in the following ways: Speak Up: Go from that well-meaning thought to actually verbalizing your appreciation either in person or digitally. Try Not Speak Poorly Of Other People: It’s human nature to focus on people’s shortcomings but think about whether or not what you are saying about someone else is something you would want said about you. Go To The Source: Don’t just tell Jill about the great thing Jane did. Tell Jane! It just makes sense if you are going to big up someone they should know about it too! Use Social Media: It’s not the most obvious but think of the opportunity a simple post can offer you to either congratulate someone for a success or cheer them up if they are struggling. Choose Someone Who Needs A Boost: Think of someone you know who may be going through rough times and give them an encouraging word by telling them what you appreciate about them or what they are doing well. Encouragement makes the harsh realities of life seem a little easier to take. It is soul-nourishing for the one who encourages and the one who is encouraged. Are you lifting people up or tearing them down? I challenge you to encourage 3 people today!!