Change the Message

5.02

How's your wellness journey? And your pantry? And your workouts? Are you progressing at the level you hoped you would at this point? While you consider these questions, I'm sure there is a wellness message which plays in the back of your mind - your reason "why". Is it a positive message, or a negative one?

I came across a great wellness and workout podcast the other day where the crux of their message is that too many wellness initiatives are motivated negatively - we can't stand _____ (our weight, how we look, our waistline) and 'hate' our bodies into a wellness program.

These podcasters would push back and say the opposite. We need to understand how precious our health, and our physical bodies are, and love our bodies into wellness. The experience of these trainers is that when a negative 'I-hate-my-body' message is employed, about 20% of participants would make worthwhile, lasting nutrition and exercise changes to improve their health. 

When the message was changed to acknowledge the special gift that physical health is, and that our nutrition and activity choices have the greatest impact on improving our wellness, the success rate is much higher, and the journey so much more fulfilling.

So, how's your "why"? When you lace up your sneakers for a run, or pay that installment for the gym membership, or do just few more burpees, is it because you know, way down deep, that you love your body enough to care for it in a special way? Or are you frustrated with those extra pounds, and can't stand to spot yourself in a mirror, and will do whatever you can to not be 'that person' any more?

Choose wisely, and come to a place where you can love your body, and appreciate the incredible value of good health. You may revolutionize your wellness journey with this one, simple improvement.

By the Way

I resonate very strongly with the affirming message of loving our bodies. I suffered a lot as a kid with a variety of ailments and injuries, and quickly gained an appreciation for a thoughtful, intentional approach to my wellness. And I realized as a young adult, how precious good health is, and that our diet and exercise can secure it for us.