Gratitude Not Fear!

​Perfectionism is a prison. As I struggled through it, half my time was focused on never making a mistake and the rest of the time was spent beating myself up because I couldn't do it. Gratitude was what freed me. It wasn't that I wasn't thankful for my life but I spent very little time focusing on my blessings because I was so focused on being perfect. Fear ruled my life and I was exhausted.
When I let the fear go and started letting gratitude lead me, my life became a much more joyful place. I didn't need the vices that used to make me feel better, because I feel wonderful. I don't have to hide my mistakes or beat myself up for them, I learn from them and feel grateful for the experience. I don't have to give up on everything I'm not good at and compare myself to everyone else. I get to chase what interests me and take joy in learning and growing!

It's an important and freeing lesson to learn all around but it especially served me in my health journey. I don't have to throw in the towel each time I fall off the wagon! I don't have to beat myself up for an emotional eating binge. I don't have to get angry at myself if I miss a few days of exercise. Being imperfect doesn't make me a failure, it makes me human! Instead, in those moments, I focus on being grateful that I get a chance to start again, that I have the tools and knowledge to redirect, that I have this incredible vessel of my own to navigate the world. It's a joy to care for it and to inspire others to practice self care. Today, focus on all the things that are going right in your life, focus on being grateful for your body, allow yourself to feel joyful and excited about your future because you are creating one that you are excited to live! Brush off your failed attempts and keep going. Don't look around to see who is watching or listen to what others say. Just do the things and do them for YOU!
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Whenever you are tempted to compare or criticize, choose, instead, to count your blessings and feel gratitude for them and the future that you are building as you do the work! It might be hard but, beautiful girl, you can do hard things! <3