In this age of seemingly obsessional conversations about food and body size it is sometimes hard to interrupt the words and thoughts racing around us in regard to what we “should” look like or how we “should” be with our own body. The construct of normative discontent, or the idea that we all sometimes look at our bodies in a negative way, or have moments of judgment towards our body that are unkind is (unfortunately) a pretty typical experience. The divergence from typical to atypical occurs when these thoughts become nonstop, seemingly impossible to silence, or begin to inform the choices we make in regards to food and exercise. Experiencing moments of body dissatisfaction is much more manageable than facing constant scrutiny that is unrelenting. Most of us at some point in our journey through this life can recall moments of negative self talk towards ourselves.
As I approach the 7-year mark in my recovery from anorexia and orthorexia it is still just as important today that I monitor these thoughts closely. In my recovery acting on these thoughts is not an option, as engaging in these thoughts can become a very slippery slope. I must separate myself from these thoughts to reduce the risk of acting on them. Sometimes that means walking away from a mirror or a person (!), changing my clothes, or stopping what I am doing and starting an entirely new task. Interrupting the thought is the first step to freeing yourself from the spiral and discovering the grace that comes from creating space from negativity. This space then seeps into all of the other parts of our life and allows the positive aspects of the world around us to infiltrate and act as an arsenal of protection from negative thought patterns.
Whether you are a person who has ever struggled with food, exercise, or body image or not I think that this way of thinking can be helpful. Distancing ourselves from negative energy and finding the joy that comes from this space applies to everyone. The same applies to conversations with others. Use your power to inspire others to flip the script on how they talk, act, and treat their bodies (and souls).
You never know who might benefit greatly from the light you share…
As I approach the 7-year mark in my recovery from anorexia and orthorexia it is still just as important today that I monitor these thoughts closely. In my recovery acting on these thoughts is not an option, as engaging in these thoughts can become a very slippery slope. I must separate myself from these thoughts to reduce the risk of acting on them. Sometimes that means walking away from a mirror or a person (!), changing my clothes, or stopping what I am doing and starting an entirely new task. Interrupting the thought is the first step to freeing yourself from the spiral and discovering the grace that comes from creating space from negativity. This space then seeps into all of the other parts of our life and allows the positive aspects of the world around us to infiltrate and act as an arsenal of protection from negative thought patterns.
Whether you are a person who has ever struggled with food, exercise, or body image or not I think that this way of thinking can be helpful. Distancing ourselves from negative energy and finding the joy that comes from this space applies to everyone. The same applies to conversations with others. Use your power to inspire others to flip the script on how they talk, act, and treat their bodies (and souls).
You never know who might benefit greatly from the light you share…