07/15/2023
2018-2023 – A lot has changed in 6 years. When people give me kind compliments today, they often ask what I’m DOING differently. And those habits are significant. But it’s how I’m THINKING differently that’s made all the difference.
Along the way I learned I wasn’t just changing my health habits, I had to also expand and refine my IDENTITY to include “SOMEONE WHO PUTS HER WELLNESS FIRST”. Prior to this journey, I put myself last out of an effort to feel valuable, of service, like I was a contributor. And prioritizing myself felt selfish and “extra”. I wore self-sacrifice like a badge of honor.
I built my identity around being reliable, responsible, responsive and professional. Someone who would do anything it took. And I took every opportunity to reinforce that narrative. But I paid the price for that with bare-minimum self-care and the frequent need to stress-soothe.
Beyond running, yoga and kettlebells, beyond eating clean and skin-care regimens, the changes actually started here:
1) Acknowledge the identity and narrative you are reinforcing. Truly make space for that to change and include your total wellbeing and all that requires.
2) Create and uphold boundaries around time, focus and energy. Use discernment and learn how to communicate your boundaries.
3) Time-management, which is really energy management. Find a tool. Stick to it 100%. I created The Daily Compass to support time blocking and my focus/attention/energy boundaries.
4) Invest in the lengthy process of identifying what types of exercise give you joy and support your goals and values. And invest in the lengthy process of identifying a way of eating that gives you joy and supports your goals and values. Expect lots of trial and error. It’s not linear.
5) Adjust/uplevel your physical environment to support your best life and healthiest lifestyle.
6) Surround yourself with people who enthusiastically support your goals and share a passion for feeling wholly good.
These are easier said than done. Get a coach and identify accountability buddies. Get unstuck. Disrupt the unsatisfying inertia. You CAN change.
