Speak Your Truth - Stand in Your Own Light

You may wonder how this topic can relate to emotional eating, mindful eating or weight loss? Many new clients find me by simply entering “weight loss” or “mindful eating” into the Google search engine.

During our initial complimentary phone consultation it quickly becomes clear that overeating or needing to lose weight are just the tip of the iceberg. Underneath the surface are often symptoms of being stressed, feeling overwhelmed, undervalued, overworked, anxious or worried.

That’s why restrictive diets fail over and over again for many (or most) people. Emotional self-care and emotional health are critical components for leading a balanced, joyful, healthy and grounded life.

The need to snack for comfort is simply a symptom: A signal that needs to be examined, gently and lovingly. Shame, restrictions and guilt are just more stress-promoting and no help at all. What we all need is to feel safe, to be loved, to be nurtured and fully supported.

Speaking your truth and standing in your own light are important principles, which are necessary for having healthy boundaries and keeping your own energy reservoir full.

It takes courage to stay true to your own needs and saying no to others’. Good emotional self-care isn’t selfish. It is actually a gift to yourself and others as it empowers you to give freely when you have the capacity to do so: A confirmation of your self-love and authenticity.

We all have our own unique story to tell, woven with details of painful and joyful experiences. Some of us may carry layers of early trauma or emotional neglect. Painful experiences give us the opportunity to heal and grow and live an authentic life. It is never too late to re-parent yourself and to become the person you needed most.

So, when you feel like suppressing your need to stand up for yourself, practice in front of the mirror. Speak your truth from the heart. Give yourself permission to validate all your feelings. You are not responsible for how the other person reacts. Feel free to read or re-read Don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements” or The Mastery of Love.”

Self-care is multi-dimensional. It incorporates:

• Nourishing yourself well and making healthy food choices most of the time.

• Unplugging from electronics regularly, especially before bedtime

• Bookending your day. Set an intention in the morning and end your day with gratitude.

• Moving your body daily, preferably in nature.

• Being mindful of what you feed you mind. Focus on inspirational literature and avoid stressful or traumatizing TV shows and movies.

• Connecting with friends or loved ones regularly.

• Making your home and bed your sanctuary.

• Doing something nice for someone else.

• Honoring your feelings and speaking your truth.

• Letting go of “toxic” relationships and environments.

• Meditating and calming the mind for a few minutes every day.

• Doing one thing every day that makes your heart happy.

I am here to support you on your self-care journey!

With love and compassion,

Petra