I would like to first say thank you to everyone who is supporting me on this journey of health & happiness. I’ve decided to add to my blogging about fitness & food; and share with you my thoughts on things in our lives we tend to overlook, being the busy bees we are. Each week, I will focus on one topic that we should all stop and think about, and really try to be in that devotion for the day and continue it each day throughout the week, and make it a life long practice. Let’s build on our awareness and development of our true self together!
Each day passes, faster than the next. How many times do we say to ourselves, “There’s just not enough time in the day…?” When we get into that flow of life where we are moving a mile a minute, this is the most important time for us to STOP and focus on what is important, which is our health & happiness. Trying to get too much done in a day, wears at us, and can bring us down. Living a less chaotic life, could bring us more peace. I’m not saying sit on the couch and watch t.v. all day. Continue to keep your life full of activity, but don’t allow it to take over, and suffocate your awareness of your self and the beauty that is around you. I’m sure you all have heard the phrase, “Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses;” this saying is so abundantly true! Life will go on, whether we want to participate in it or not, and if we choose to stay present, appreciate ourselves, and the beauty around us, we can really find true happiness.
I believe that everything in life starts with loving yourself whole heartedly. When I talk about loving oneself, it is a pure, non egocentric kind of love. We start out so innocent and full of life, but then “life happens” (another common phrase) and most of us become stressed, addicted to things, and unsure of who we even are or want to be. The places that life brings us, happened for a reason, but in most cases I’m sure that many us did not love ourselves that much. It’s ok, it happens to the best of us, seriously! It doesn’t have to continue which is such a powerful statement. We all have the choice to change how we view ourselves. We have the ability to stop the judgements, and work on self-love. With each judgment we put on ourselves, the deeper resentment we create towards ourself, and the further we are from happiness. The good news is it can be taken away in a second if we want it to!!! Just by looking at yourself and saying these three words, ” I love myself,” you can move to a place of contentment. Other phrases, “I friggin rock, I’m beautiful, I can do anything, My body is beautiful, I am worthy.” Self-love takes commitment and work for most people, including myself. Opening my heart up to all of you now, I will tell you that for the majority of the 30 years I have been on this planet, I had a deep and dark hatred for myself. Through recognizing my demons, and choosing to live a happier and healthier life it has brought me to a place where I can say that I love myself. Everyday is not the same, but everyday I have the choice to either sit in my problems about myself & my life, or rise above it and be happy & healthy. Life does happen – Just join it and be apart of it!
For today and as a continuing practice – I will love myself. I will treat myself with respect. I will not judge my outer appearances. I will be kind to both my body and my mind. I will forgive myself. I will allow love in.
Happiness & Love to all!
***************Natalie Johnston is USATF certified runner coach serving areas PA, NYC, & NJ.*****************
