2010 is here. What do you hope to achieve this year? What intentions will you set?  For many of us, we resolve to change our health- to lose weight, to quit smoking, to eat healthy, to cut back on booze, to join a gym. We get motivated. We make positive steps forward after the indulgences of the holidays. And then – bam! – a few weeks later, it’s all over and we feel crappier than ever. Now, not only are we eating junk food, failing to exercise, and engaging in addictive behaviors, we also feel like losers because we can’t follow through on our resolutions.

This year, I invite you to OWN your health. What does that mean? That means loving yourself exactly how you are – flaws, warts, addictions, and all. Until you can love yourself, you’ll never affect lasting positive change in your life.  If you have bad habits, own it! Love your body just the way it is. Accept yourself, even if your health is not optimized. Learn to live in your skin and be present with what is. It’s the only path to sustainable change.

Once you learn to love yourself as you are, you may find that you naturally want to nurture yourself. When you’re coming from a place of loving acceptance, you may no longer feel like grabbing for that bag of potato chips. You’re more likely to feed a body you cherish fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. When you love yourself- curves, lumps and all- you may find that you naturally morph into your ideal body weight.  When you feel comfortable in your skin, you’ll relish moving your body- doing yoga, going for a hike in nature, jogging on the beach.

From this place of self-love and acceptance, radical change can happen. And you don’t need to resolve anything. You will want to do it. Your body will know what it needs to be healthy. But in case you’re searching for some inspiration, here are some thoughts. Read More »