INDULGE …BUT WHITE JEANS WON’T LIE!
If you are like me, you miss seeing friends and colleagues in person at events, parties, restaurants and just about everywhere else! And, if you are like me, spending money on yourself seems lower on your list of priorities. Sure it’s really tempting to shop for instant gratification with all the sales bombarding you from emails, posts and advertisements. But the satisfaction that comes from asserting your power by pushing “buy now” can be gained without spending money, too. Besides, rebellion shopping can result in a full closet with nothing to wear. (That’s where I come in to help!)
Instead of mindless shopping activities to distract you from stress and anxiety, try conscious, self-indulgence – it’s a lot easier than conscious uncoupling!
Break out of the mental, physical and social restrictions. Stop. Breath. Think. Inevitably, you’ll find yourself deep in self-reflection. That’s a good thing. Re-evaluating priorities, behaviors and concerns can spark positive change. What better time than now? I dug deep. I discovered that I was spending an awful lot of my time, energy and money chasing instant gratification. I’m naturally a social person who likes to be participate in my business and social community. My schedule was packed with coffees, luncheons, drinks. My closet’s resulting chaotic state signaled that I was moving too fast. I was stuck in motion, getting nowhere closer to my goals; not a good way to travel.
For this reason, I am grateful for the unpredictable, screeching halt to my schedule. What did I do?
I downshifted to neutral and in the idleness, I revisited my priorities: to honor my health (physically and psychologically), value time and communication with my family, friends and clients, and improve my capacity to serve my clients and causes close to my heart. I’ll share how I honor my health: I simply maintain a positive self-image by managing my weight and by exercising. Does that mean avoiding wine or desserts? Nope! It involves relying on two practices.
Start by pulling out your favorite jeans. Slip out of your stretchies or pajamas and put them on. Fitted jeans may feel like a shock! Do they fit comfortably or do they reveal a new muffin top? Can you move your legs or sit down without feeling like they are going to split at the seams? Being able to slip into jeans and feel and look your best is a gift to yourself. Your jeans won’t lie. Rely on them to keep you honest about your body’s shape.
Secondly, set a healthy weight range. It’s self-defeating (and annoying) to constantly focus on losing those nagging 5 lbs., 10 lbs., etc. In truth, our weight naturally fluctuates up or down 1 lb. to 3 lbs. over the course of time depending on factors like salt, water (or lack of water) and alcohol consumption, body cycles and a variety of other reasons. I’ve set my healthy weight range (I’m 5’6”) between 132 -135. Since I’m uncomfortable hovering around my upper weight range, I decided to adjust my healthy weight range as 129 -132. This way I can always feel good in my skin and my clothing. And, guess what? This slight adjustment of focus resulted in losing, on average of 5 lbs. When I find myself creeping up past 132, I revert to my slightly smaller quantities, more water and more activity.
You deserve to feel good in your own skin. Focus on the power that you do have. It’s rewarding. And, it doesn’t cost time or money! And if you indulge in shopping therapy, start shopping in your closet! I bet you can create new outfits with what you have to make your wardrobe feel refreshed.
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