Why we should embrace change in our bodies
Last March began one of the most stressful times in my life. I started gaining weight like so many others during quarantine. I went a long time without seeing my family, and I moved across the country to live with my partner. Thanks to pandemic shutdowns, I worried I might lose my practice after putting so much time, effort, and love into it over the years. “This is my life,” I thought. “This is who I am.” I’m not sure who I’d be without Honu Nutrition or my wonderful clients.
Mine is just one of countless stories like this from the past year, and I know how fortunate I am to still have my health, community, and business. Zooming out, I see how many lives I was able to touch during quarantine and how many of you empowered me to keep going. Through that lens, 2020 was, in some ways, one of the best years of my life. I still see the stress and fears, but also the victories and lessons I encountered along the way.
Surprising victories during an uncertain year
For one thing, I usually have two shingles flare-ups every year without fail. Perhaps because of the shakeup to my routine, I didn’t struggle with shingles all year for the first time in 12 years. That is a magnificent victory.
My relationship with food evolved during quarantine too. I addressed some GI issues with my doctor in February, and it required changing my eating habits. Even with all the stress I felt, my stomach was comfortable. I may have gained a few pounds during the pandemic, but not once did I have my usual GI issues.
Even now, I continue to heal from the car accident I had a while back. Though my body recovered, I still have occasional fatigue and memory issues. During quarantine, I made frustratingly slow progress, but I still see it as a victory. I overcame an accident that could have been much worse and learned how to be more patient with myself in the process.
Embracing change, even if we don’t always love it
One of my core beliefs is that nothing we define as good or bad in our life is permanent. Your body is a dynamic, ever-changing machine. You might be in love with it one day and less than thrilled the next. Regardless of the changes and how you feel about them, you are enough.
Believe it or not, I’m opposed to the notion that you have to love everything about your body every day. You should care for your body, embrace it, listen to it, and try your best to love it. I don’t always love every inch of my body. I do, however, respect and care for my whole body because of all the work it does to protect me. The changes I’m seeing aren’t permanent, but it wouldn’t impact my worth even if they were.
Change is phenomenal. It keeps us active and dynamic and curious. And if we can’t get comfortable with change in our bodies, then perhaps it’s our idea of what we “should” that needs to change.
Need support in learning to love your body as it changes? Contact me so I can help you.