Learning to Care for My Body Through Life's Seasons: Week 8 of a Self-Care Journey

Photo by alex geerts on Unsplash

When I began my journey of weight loss and healing, I didn’t realize how much it would evolve over time. I thought that everything would fall into place once I figured out the “right” routine, the “right” diet. 

But what I’ve learned is that  our bodies are always changing, with the seasons, with age, with stress, and the way we care for them needs to evolve too.

The Illusion of the “Right” Routine

You know me… As a therapist I’m always experimenting with what’s needed in the moment, and I apply that to my physical healing journey as well.  That’s why I’m one to try anything. Whether is traditional self-care like; meditate, take a walk, or whatever new fangled treatment Helen has. 

Helen has had the Life Vessel and the Zerona for several years now and I have decided to give them a concerted effort for this stage of my journey.

For those of you who are just now joining the journey, the Life Vessel is a machine that literally looks like a big box you lay down in and close the doors. It’s designed to promote deep relaxation in the body. The Zerona Laser uses cold laser technology to release toxins and promote fat loss. 

I decided to take on these treatments to help me shed the stress and excess weight that I have been carrying due to massive life changes during the past 4 years. 

What is actually happening is I am learning to listen to my body in a new way.

Self-Compassion Teaches us a NEW way to Reach Goals

We’re often told the only way to reach our goals is to stay laser-focused. But that kind of thinking can lead us into an all-or-nothing trap. We try to plan every step and bulldoze ahead like a bull in a china shop.

Our shifting needs become collateral damage leaving a trail of new broken pieces. That’s often what happens with fad diets, we might lose weight, but our digestion suffers, or we feel depleted because we’re out of balance.

This diet trap happened to me 8 years ago, when I lost 130 pounds.

That diet discouraged eating beans because of their high carb content. Beans were comfort food for me when I was growing up. I missed them and eventually I found myself turning back to high fat and sugary comfort foods.

That diet wasn’t sustainable for me and I have since added beans back into my diet. For me, they’re healing because as a comfort food, beans are a nourishing choice that supports my body, not one that throws it out of balance.

Self-compassion teaches us a different way. We learn to listen. We leave no part of ourselves behind. We become willing to choose differently, even when the culture is shoving a new miracle fix in our faces every second.

Self-Compassion is a Smarter Kind of Discipline

The fear voice in us says: “If I don’t keep myself on track, I’ll be lazy and undisciplined.”

We may even fear that self-compassion will give us permission to give up.

But research shows the opposite: Self-compassionate people are more likely to eat well and exercise consistently. Why? Because their motivation comes from love, not shame.

Self-Compassion helps us discern: “Am I being lazy… or do I genuinely need rest today?”

Sometimes I find myself sitting in my car in the gym parking lot, arguing with myself about going in. It feels impossible to know what’s “right.”

Until I pause and listen to my wiser voice, the compassionate one that says,

“You don’t have to do the full workout. Just do what feels manageable, no pushing, no pressure.”

The Path to Health isn’t Linear, it’s Responsive

This week at Helen’s office, I found myself needing to adjust again. I was frustrated because my heartburn had returned, something that continues to resurface.

Helen reminded me: it’s a dry time of year, and dryness + heat in the body = irritation.

She recommended avoiding drying foods (like crackers and rice cakes) and increasing hydration. 

And, here’s the part that stood out, we decided to skip the Zerona treatment that day.

Why? Because my body felt too dry. The laser might have made it worse.

If I had been locked in on the goal of fat loss, that could’ve felt like a setback. 

But self-compassion says: adjust the plan. Prioritize balance.

If I were clinging to my original plan, I might’ve  insisted on using the Zerona that day. But that could’ve led to more discomfort, and more imbalance.

Self-compassion asks me to pause. To trust that adjusting is not failure, it’s wisdom.

When my body is in balance, it naturally moves toward health. There’s more than one way to get there. The self-compassionate way gets me there more intact, more resilient, and more whole.

This Is a Relationship, Not a Battle

I used to feel like I was constantly fighting my body.

Now, I’m learning to work with it. To listen. To respond with care instead of demands.

There’s no magic fix in healing. No final destination. The real transformation is in showing up again and again, with patience, presence, and compassion.

Sustainable change happens in baby steps.

I’m building a healthier relationship with my body, and with myself. I know that this isn’t a destination,it’s an ongoing journey. One that asks for presence, patience, and compassion.

Let’s Walk This Path Together

If you're feeling like your body is changing and you're not sure how to support it whether it's the season, your stage of life, or just a sense that something feels off you don’t have to figure it out alone.

I’d love to support you in tuning into what your body needs right now and creating simple, sustainable steps toward feeling better.

🌿 Book a session with me today continue your journey toward a more compassionate, connected relationship with your body.