“Health is not just about what you’re eating. It’s also about what you’re thinking and saying.”
I saw this quote and it just about jumped off the page.
Although I couldn’t find an actual author to credit, it has obviously caught lots of people’s eyes… There were about a million versions available and had been posted tons of times on many different platforms.
To me, this is a good thing.
It’s a super important and yet under-appreciated message in fitness, and the more people that see and understand it, the better!
To me, this quote is saying that in order to truly be healthy you need to own it completely - love and honor yourself and others through your thoughts and words, not just the action of adherence to your plan.
I have always thought that if you think and say something enough, you’ll believe it. And it will become your truth. This works in both directions - negativity breeds more negativity, and positivity creates more of its own. The more you focus on the good things, the more good things there will be - use the power of your mind to manifest what you actually want!
Even though I consider myself to be quite body-positive and it’s my job to encourage others on their road to confidence, health, and self-love, I’ve absolutely had days where I haven’t felt comfortable in my own skin, and my internal (and external) dialogue has more than reflected that.
It happens to everyone, as not every day will be perfect - the key is recognizing it, and immediately deciding to turn things around.
One of my favorite techniques for redirecting your thoughts and words is to look around and choose something that you appreciate or admire about someone around you, and then look them right in the eye and tell them. It could be a friend, family member, or complete stranger - it will mean a lot to them, and uplift you from the inside. Being kind and giving love to someone else is always a gift to yourself too, remember that. It’s a double win!
I know I’ve mentioned this before in prior posts, but I also love the exercise of imagining what the people who love you the most would say if they were asked what your best qualities are. If you’re feeling down on yourself and having trouble finding the good, this can be a huge help - think of what they’d complement about you, focus on it, smile (no, seriously - do it! It helps on a chemical level), and agree! Even small internal affirmations can help put a positive spin on your thoughts.
Hone in on developing these practices and spend some time making them a part of your daily life, you will not regret it.
It’s ok to love yourself. It’s ok to be stoked about your many wonderful qualities. It's ok to appreciate the incredioble capabilities of your body and spirit. Humility is important, of course, but so is acknowledging your value in the way you think, what you say, and how you carry yourself.
Learn to say thank you when you receive a compliment. Learn to celebrate your victories of all kinds and relish your progress. Learn to be kind to yourself and believe in your worth.
It can be a difficult process but, just like any new skill, it takes practice to become second nature. And it starts with mindful attention to establishing new patterns. Be aware of what goes on in your mind, and what comes out of your mouth - it’s a bigger part of the picture than you might think.
Finding the best in yourself and others, and really focusing on that as you think and speak, is a huge step in the direction of establishing self-confidence, self-respect, and ultimately true happiness.
I’ll restate it again - if you think it and say it enough, you’ll believe it. And it will become your truth.
I believe that what’s happening on the inside usually shows on the outside - in the health fitness realm, this is often especially true. Let’s all take responsibility for how much of this we can control, and start living better, healthier lives from the inside out.
Today I am pledging to do everything in my power to make my truth the best it can be.
Will you join me?
Please feel free to comment, upvote, or resteem if you’d like :)