I’m turning 30 in just two days, which has me thinking about my existence and what I’m doing with my life, although I think about that daily, so I’m not sure exactly what my age has to do with it? I’ve always felt the most fulfilled helping others, so I found ways to mould and shape my life where I can do just that. We all have a sphere of influence, and it’s up to us to decide how we use it. So for today’s diet culture IRL, I’m going to share what I have learned in the timeline of my life so far.
Self-acceptance is key. What exactly is self-acceptance? I think it’s when we can sit down and, someone can sit down with themselves and feel neutral. Where you can be your authentic self and feel content with that. I have had to reject other people’s toxic and outdated ideas of what “healthy” means, and in order to do that, I have to accept that I’m not their version of me, I’m my version of me. I’ve always been a rule follower and wanted to feel acceptance from others. Comes with the 2 identity, but at what cost? I think, I think true acceptance comes from a place of respect, not fear or hatred. I truly enjoy my own company. I know that’s a weird one, but it’s true. You don’t have to put up with anything you don’t feel you deserve. This is why I listed self-acceptance first. I’m not sure you can get to that place without understanding yourself first. I know my time is precious and valuable on this earth, so I’m really no longer giving my time to people who treat me disrespectfully or hurt my heart. I have the choice to walk away, even if it’s incredibly challenging.
Everyone else doesn’t understand the homework assignment either. We’re all just winging it. I think when we are younger we think, wow, everyone older just gets it, and they know exactly what they’re doing. Nope. We all are doing the best we can with what we know and have. I think it’s pretty comforting to know we are all growing, making mistakes, learning and changing in parallel to one another.
You may be wondering, okay, but what does all of this have to do with my relationship to food or my body? It’s all connected. You as a person are so complex and wonderful. When you think of your life’s biggest lessons, you’ll see it’s all intertwined.
This segment was written and recorded by Coleen Bremner. Listen to episode 280 of Find Your Food Voice for more.
