“Umenenepa” is the greeting that i have had to come to terms with for the past two years or so. To be honest this is not very shocking, because I notice it too. I notice when I cannot fit into my old clothes anymore, when my appetite for food is larger than life and when I have to jump a little higher when wearing my jeans!
Just like with everything else, changes can be worrying and even scary at times. I saw the changes creeping up slowly and I am aware of how this may not be the healthiest change I have had. So instead of talking about what foods/things I have been avoiding to get back to where I used to be, I will be sharing what I have been avoiding to enjoy life at the moment.
Stressing about things I cannot control
Sure, I can do something about what I eat and exercise, but I have had to learn the hard way that stressing about how others perceive me or opinion is a waste of time. It is not possible to please everyone, nor should you try to do so. You must have heard this a million times, but it is true what they say, your opinion of yourself is what matters the most. In the end, no one is going to remember how you looked, rather how you made them feel!
Skipping meals
It’s one thing trying to eat better and become healthier with your food choices but a whole other thing to avoid the foods that bring you joy and skip meals. I have tried and it has not done anything for me in the long run, so girl, don’t do it! There is no reason for why you shouldn’t eat your breakfast, lunch or dinner just because you have gained weight. I love my food, so I will be making sure to enjoy all the 3 meals a day that I enjoy religiously and continue honoring my hunger cues!
Self-hate
Comparison is the thief of joy. As much as hate is a strong word, we may start developing bad feelings towards ourselves because everyone is in our ear all the time, be it our friends, media, frenemies, etc. and we are comparing ourselves to unrealistic standards. Avoiding self-hate for me, means practicing self-compassion and kindness. We have just experienced a major pandemic, nothing about the way we live now is normal, so there is no need for me to hold myself to such high standards that will lead to disappointment.
Last but not least, even though I do not condemn bad habits, as I get older the more, I learn to embrace different seasons in my life. Not all seasons are going to look the same and I can only do so much. I will embrace each season with kindness and gratitude for the things that matter most. It is my hope you do the same too!
By : Christine
