I Lost 130 lbs Using Self-Compassion
I had never before been able to stick with a diet long enough to lose a significant amount of weight. When I started a new eating plan in 2016 I didn’t think it would be any different.
I surprised myself by sticking to the plan for a couple of years and losing 130 lbs.
People kept asking me how I lost the weight, so I had to ask myself, what was different this time? I discovered that it was Self-Compassion.
In the past I would go on a diet as a way of trying to fix a body that felt flawed. This time I had the wisdom of age, and years of therapy. I just wanted to take better care of myself, out of love.
I wish I could say that was the end of my weight struggles, but due to many life circumstances, I have gained many pounds back.
I tried getting back to the diet that I was following when I lost the weight. But following a diet was not the life lesson I was here to learn.
When I’m trying to follow an eating plan because I feel like my body is flawed, it feels impossible, I feel deprived and rebellious. When I Love myself, eating well and caring for my body, becomes a natural part of my self-care.
Week 2 of my New Journey
I got in the life vessel this week and I felt anxious, almost panicked. For a moment I considered getting back out, but what do I always tell my clients about anxiety? See if you can be with it a little longer.
Avoiding anxious situations can increase anxiety. So I just take some deep breaths. I know I can get out if I continue to feel panicked, but I don’t.
I start to relax some, but my mind is still going 100 miles an hour. Wow! I didn’t realize how stressed I’ve been feeling until I took a pause. I have been having trouble sleeping the past few nights, but as usual I just kept soldiering on through my days.
For those of us who deal with emotional eating I think it’s common to plow through our To Do list with no time for self-care. Then at the end of the day, eating is the default strategy to unwind a little before bed.
Clients who work with me learn to put themselves at the top of that To Do list.
Today, in the Life Vessel, I really noticed the vibration of the sounds, and I let it seep into my body. I still feel restless, but focusing on the physical vibrations gives me a place to anchor my attention, and relax a little.
I came in this week with my energy just buzzing and swirling. On a busy day, that anxious type of energy can just feel normal. But then at the end of the day I will feel the refrigerator calling to me.
After my treatments, my energy feels grounded, and I know that this is a better baseline for me. My body feels truly nourished.
The rest of the day I want to continue taking good care of myself. I eat a healthy lunch. I go to the gym and swim, an activity that I really enjoy. Today was not a work day, so I was able to take this time for myself.
If you need support on your Self-Compassion journey you can contact me at eatingwithselflove.com. Email efthomasma@gmail.com or by phone 707-206-8698 I offer courses and individual coaching.
Love and Light,
Erica
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