Every day I am becoming more and more disenchanted with the latest and greatest health-related theories and opinions. They’re everywhere, and they’re completely overwhelming. I guess this is nothing new – telling others how to eat, exercise, sleep, meditate, ummm, live. And maybe a lot of these theories and opinions truly are legit. But what if they’re not? What if sugar really is okay in moderation (like, a bowl of ice cream every night, or a piece of cake every few days)? What if a few cups of coffee every morning and a few glasses of wine every night really aren’t going to harm you? What if you opt not to engage in High Intensity Interval Training, in combination with a daily yoga practice, but rather stick with gardening and a three-mile run every other day, and you continue to maintain a lovely physique?
What if?... What if?... What if?... Do we dare take the chance? Do we dare risk getting sick, fat and unhappy?
Letting go. Not easy.
Yes, I am writing this post for myself. Because to be honest with the both of us, I am in the process of crawling out of my own “pit of rules”… aka, fear. I want to learn what Emily’s body enjoys and thrives on. I want to learn what Emily’s mind, heart, spirit and soul is requiring for nourishment. And I’m sure that this changes now and then – for all of us! But are we willing to acknowledge our own personal needs, requirements and desires today?
I used to love huge bowls of quinoa and lentils, Amy’s Spinach frozen pizza, a few packets of organic instant oatmeal with honey and blueberries stirred in, and traditional (not vegan, gluten-free) chocolate chip cookies, in addition to a daily yoga practice. But this past year I have chosen to follow the latest fad by denying myself all grains, going super low carb (Think, dozens of eggs, pounds of meat and barrels of veggies), and engaging in more running and weight lifting than a fun hour of Vinyasa Flow. (Granted, I’ve continued to drink my coffee and wine and have a piece of cake every week or two, but oh my gosh how I miss pizza, toast, oatmeal and bean burritos!)
So what has this stubborn, pathetic mindset that I have not even considered leaving until recently been all about? Control possibly? And what is control about? Fear? Um, gee, now there’s a revelation! And let me just say, this has been my entire life. I have spent more brain power and energy since my preteen years obsessing over how to control my world, so that it doesn’t crumble beneath me, than I have actually spent it enjoying life.
But the science shows what is best for me. The books and magazines and bloggers all know what’s best for me. Why would I trust myself? If I did that, I might get sick, fat and unhappy! Right? Come on - please tell me what will happen to me if I let go!
Hmmm… I’m pretty sure that I would actually be okay. Maybe even thrive?!?! I’m not saying that I want to just start eating nothing but crap and being lazy all day long. I know that, for me personally, that would feel physically and mentally gross. Besides, there is common sense and wisdom to be acknowledged and maintained here. But there just has to be more to life than focusing on food and appearance. This culture and society (me included!) has turned the topic of health and wellness into a religion. We are creating false idols, and not recognizing that this obsession is what’s making us sick, fat and unhappy. Where’s the balance? So I am challenging myself to reassess my beliefs and actions today and to focus on what’s really important to me.
So what IS important to Emily?
Inspiring, motivating, encouraging and walking beside others as they journey on their own, unique paths (aka, Health Coaching); loving unconditionally; being a superb role model to my daughter; worshipping Jesus Christ only; going to my awesome church; sleeping a lot; meeting with girlfriends to laugh, listen, cry and pray together; eating what sounds good when I’m hungry (Right now, it’s a peanut butter and bacon on sourdough sandwich!); going out for walks in the sun; coffee in the mornings and wine in the evenings; listening to my favorite music; cutting fun pictures out of magazines to make collages; flossing my teeth; eating 100% grass-fed meat rather than factory-farmed meat; supporting local farmers; eating fruits and veggies according to the dirty dozen and clean fifteen; going to my rolfer and/or chiropractor as needed; getting the occasional massage; early morning runs when there is no snow or ice outside; a daily dose of Cod Liver Oil; a hot yoga class when it’s free; swinging at the park with my daughter; chick flick movies; visiting the beach when I can; cooking yummy food from scratch… There’s more, I’m sure. And what I need to do is look at this list daily and take it to heart. Because this list IS my heart.
Daily I pray for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment, as well as for my heart to be transformed into the likeness of God. I want to be used by God to glorify Him, to shine His Light, and to do wonderful, amazing things for those whom He places in my life. I want to let go of control, trust Him, and be fearless, so that I can be a source of hope and help to the world. We’re in this together, right?
Today’s assignment from your Health Coach: Write down what is important to YOU???
What if?... What if?... What if?... Do we dare take the chance? Do we dare risk getting sick, fat and unhappy?
Letting go. Not easy.
Yes, I am writing this post for myself. Because to be honest with the both of us, I am in the process of crawling out of my own “pit of rules”… aka, fear. I want to learn what Emily’s body enjoys and thrives on. I want to learn what Emily’s mind, heart, spirit and soul is requiring for nourishment. And I’m sure that this changes now and then – for all of us! But are we willing to acknowledge our own personal needs, requirements and desires today?
I used to love huge bowls of quinoa and lentils, Amy’s Spinach frozen pizza, a few packets of organic instant oatmeal with honey and blueberries stirred in, and traditional (not vegan, gluten-free) chocolate chip cookies, in addition to a daily yoga practice. But this past year I have chosen to follow the latest fad by denying myself all grains, going super low carb (Think, dozens of eggs, pounds of meat and barrels of veggies), and engaging in more running and weight lifting than a fun hour of Vinyasa Flow. (Granted, I’ve continued to drink my coffee and wine and have a piece of cake every week or two, but oh my gosh how I miss pizza, toast, oatmeal and bean burritos!)
So what has this stubborn, pathetic mindset that I have not even considered leaving until recently been all about? Control possibly? And what is control about? Fear? Um, gee, now there’s a revelation! And let me just say, this has been my entire life. I have spent more brain power and energy since my preteen years obsessing over how to control my world, so that it doesn’t crumble beneath me, than I have actually spent it enjoying life.
But the science shows what is best for me. The books and magazines and bloggers all know what’s best for me. Why would I trust myself? If I did that, I might get sick, fat and unhappy! Right? Come on - please tell me what will happen to me if I let go!
Hmmm… I’m pretty sure that I would actually be okay. Maybe even thrive?!?! I’m not saying that I want to just start eating nothing but crap and being lazy all day long. I know that, for me personally, that would feel physically and mentally gross. Besides, there is common sense and wisdom to be acknowledged and maintained here. But there just has to be more to life than focusing on food and appearance. This culture and society (me included!) has turned the topic of health and wellness into a religion. We are creating false idols, and not recognizing that this obsession is what’s making us sick, fat and unhappy. Where’s the balance? So I am challenging myself to reassess my beliefs and actions today and to focus on what’s really important to me.
So what IS important to Emily?
Inspiring, motivating, encouraging and walking beside others as they journey on their own, unique paths (aka, Health Coaching); loving unconditionally; being a superb role model to my daughter; worshipping Jesus Christ only; going to my awesome church; sleeping a lot; meeting with girlfriends to laugh, listen, cry and pray together; eating what sounds good when I’m hungry (Right now, it’s a peanut butter and bacon on sourdough sandwich!); going out for walks in the sun; coffee in the mornings and wine in the evenings; listening to my favorite music; cutting fun pictures out of magazines to make collages; flossing my teeth; eating 100% grass-fed meat rather than factory-farmed meat; supporting local farmers; eating fruits and veggies according to the dirty dozen and clean fifteen; going to my rolfer and/or chiropractor as needed; getting the occasional massage; early morning runs when there is no snow or ice outside; a daily dose of Cod Liver Oil; a hot yoga class when it’s free; swinging at the park with my daughter; chick flick movies; visiting the beach when I can; cooking yummy food from scratch… There’s more, I’m sure. And what I need to do is look at this list daily and take it to heart. Because this list IS my heart.
Daily I pray for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment, as well as for my heart to be transformed into the likeness of God. I want to be used by God to glorify Him, to shine His Light, and to do wonderful, amazing things for those whom He places in my life. I want to let go of control, trust Him, and be fearless, so that I can be a source of hope and help to the world. We’re in this together, right?
Today’s assignment from your Health Coach: Write down what is important to YOU???