Every now and then I have to take a media, weight loss, singleness/how to bounce back from a breakup, self-help, spiritual development, do-another thing-to-“fix”-myself break, and just breathe. I’ve always been an avid reader, but since I’ve been blogging, I make every effort to stay informed and keep a pulse on issues affecting plus size women, but sometimes it’s exhausting. I was reading an article today from a fat acceptance blogger about how there is no diet talk allowed on her blog, and I completely respect her rules but I’m starting to get fed up with perhaps my own internal need to defend myself or my position. Taking a stand, talking about the issues, fighting back and combating intolerance is a full-time job and I love it because the work is very important and personal to me, but from time to time I need a break.
As a woman who is obsessed with being a better person and making my mark on the world I read a lot and attend seminars and lectures on topics related to being a better person and making my mark on the world, but every now and then I have to take a breather from ingesting anymore self-help books or anything else that promises to make me better in 30 days or less. There are so many things I am working to change in my life, like reaching my goal weight, growing a business, becoming more spiritually centered, being at home inside myself, making peace with those who have hurt me and learning to let go and move on. But today I need to rest. No music, TV, internet or other distractions, no wishing my body was a different size, no fighting fatphobia, inter/intrafatism (if such words exist), racism or sexism, no being sad about relationships and loves long gone. Just being. Sitting quietly in the moment, and being thankful for the fact that I am breathing. In my meditation I imagined myself sitting at the edge of a very beautiful quiet lake, with the dew from the early morning still lingering in the air. I saw myself bending down beside the water to glide my hand along the soft ripples of the lake. It was peaceful and beautiful.
Our minds and lives are on overload all the time, often making it difficult for us to truly get to the very heart of who we are and what we want. Even making good, helpful and necessary changes in life can be stressful and sometimes you just have to unplug and let it all go. Take some time out of your hectic, busy life and just be quiet. No punishing yourself for what you’re not doing or being disappointed in yourself for not reaching your goals. Whether you’re a size 28, 18 or 8. Whether you’re on Atkins, Weight Watchers, eating whole foods or just trying to figure out how to be satisfied in the body you have right now. Release and let it all go. For in that release is the patience and drive that propels your forward and encourages you to keep going.
So breathe. Be who you are. Be where you are. Be at peace. Be Happy.
Love It! This article hit the nail right on the head.
Sometimes you really need to take a breather and just be for a while.