Here’s how it goes for most people: you get a really scary diagnosis from your doctor. You are shocked and frightened by it. So the very next day, you pledge to join a gym (even though you hated it the last time you joined) and promise to eat nothing but vegetables and chicken breasts. You tell yourself fervently “this time it will be different”.

I believe that you really want to create change, but I have to break it to you: if what you’re doing sounds anything like the above, this time ain’t gonna be any different to all of those other times you’ve tried to make healthy changes.

Why?

Because we’re human. Because we aren’t black-and-white creatures, we exist in shades of grey. Because we are hardwired to seek pleasure and comfort. And if you’re anything like the majority of Americans existing on the Standard American Diet (SAD), you’ve been seeking this pleasure and comfort in food. If you suddenly decide to give all of this up cold-turkey and exist on nothing but salad… Well, let’s just say that your mind and body are going to rebel like a highly-strung teenager!

The biggest mistake that people make on their journey to wellness is a mindset one. They think that health must equal deprivation, avoidance, pain, struggle, and a whole lot of hard work.

But it’s simply not true.

The key is to view these lifestyle changes in a new way.

• It’s not about giving up your passion for baking cupcakes. It’s about having fun inventing the healthiest sweet-treats around.
• It’s not about seeing your daily trip to the gym as a chore. It’s about enjoying every moment of running after your dog in the park.
• It’s not about steeling yourself for any upcoming birthdays, knowing you can’t enjoy yourself. It’s about choosing where and when to indulge, doing so with the most loving intentions, and massively enjoying the whole experience.

If you aren’t actively creating a lifestyle that you love, you will not be able to make the changes you need to make.

It’s that simple.

This does not mean that there isn’t some hard work and sacrifice involved. You’ll still have to get yourself off the couch to take Pookey for a walk, and sometimes that won’t be easy.

But it is going to be worth it. Because you’ll know that what you’re working towards is nourishing you – inside and out. You’ll know that you are treating yourself with love and respect. You’ll know that you’re providing yourself with all the comfort and pleasure you need.

And when our actions are aligned with our intentions, and all of it is being done with the greatest love and respect for ourselves… Well, that’s when the true magic happens.

What are your ideas for infusing love and enjoyment into your health journey? Share away in the comments below!

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