As I mused about what to share this week, a client came and told me about an article she has just read in a local publication. It was a letter written by a woman to her body and my client said I am going to put this letter where I can read it every day and remember how special my body is! She believed that it was likely many of us could relate to the essence of the message. I agree…it is a common theme. Here is the letter:

Dear Body,

I have never taken the time to truly reflect on how amazing you are. Instead, I have abused you beyond words. I’ve contaminated your very existence with toxins.

Years upon years with mistreatment and neglect, I have ignored the signs that you blared. Days turned into months; months into years. Diet after diet, I restricted food one day and over fed you the next. I denied you limited physical activity as well.

And if that wasn’t enough, there was the hate talk. The constant negative reminders about how disappointed I was. Blaming you for things you had no control over. Directing all responsibility on you, as if you were at fault for my disappointment.

I’m discovering how far you can take me and when we work together – how beautifully synchronized we can be. I would be a fool if I said I would never abuse you again but I am writing this today to say that I appreciate you. I would promise you perfection, but instead, I pledge that I will be forever grateful for how far you have allowed me to come.

With love – me.

I am sure we could all write our own letter to our bodies that would reflect some similar message. It is definitely a BIG topic with so many levels of interaction at play. Patterns from our upbringing, the influence of media and marketing for food and image, influences of our chosen friends etc.

I find that the writer of this letter was very wise in acknowledging that perfection was not the targeted outcome but a greater appreciation for how amazing and responsive our bodies are to us. Just the fact that we are ready to honour and love our bodies will affect the decisions we make every day.

With the arrival of spring which signifies new beginnings, is it time to ask our bodies what would honour them and ultimately – us? What are you willing to commit to today to show gratitude to your body? I have embarked on a 21 day challenge with Elisha MacMillan of Manifest Dance called Summer of Love – 21 Day Challenge. Check it out.

As always I welcome your feedback. You can connect with me by phone or email, leave a comment right here on the site or click the contact tab at the bottom of the screen if you are reading this post on the website.

Cheers to our bodies!

Karen