Love on Yourself This Valentine’s Day!
When it comes to taking care of ourselves, we all know we should, but so often we struggle with the follow through. You and I have enough information to take the next step towards better physical health. Yet, frequently we find ourselves taking steps that lead in the opposite direction of wellness. So where does the problem lie?
In my book, Overcoming Overeating, I share how the actions we take (or don’t take) are typically the result of our thought life. Furthermore, what we think about throughout the day is born out of our belief system—what we believe about ourselves, the world around us, and about the God who created us. If you believe you were created on purpose and for a purpose, you will likely purpose yourself (and direct your thoughts) towards healthier actions—because you intend to live long and serve strong. If, on the other hand, you believe you are unloved or unworthy, that too will be often be reflected in the choices you make.
Everyone battles with their thought life to some degree. Unfortunately, some people have allowed their thought life to cripple them emotionally, and physically. This may be news to some, but you and I actually have the ability to control our own thoughts. We just need to refocus our belief system on what is true.
Here’s the Valentine gift I’d love for you to send to yourself this week:
Whenever you become aware of a self-deprecating, generalized thought rising up in your mind (they usually begin with I’ll never, I can’t, I’m not…), I want you to stop it in its tracks—don’t even allow it to finish its sentence! Then quickly replace it with a positive truth. An example of such a switch-a-roo would be replacing the thought, I’m failing as a mother with the following: I am a caring mother because I made my family a healthy dinner tonight.
Discipline yourself to replace negative thoughts with positive ones each day. Soon you’ll find you’re liking yourself more and more, as a result, you’ll be making more caring health choices.