Has someone ever said words about your body that hurt? Words that poked at a raw spot in your heart because you want to get fit but just don’t know how to lose weight?
I spoke with one of my new Walk It Off Now Challenge participants and she mentioned a time when her seven-year-old daughter told her she had a “big body”. She knew she was overweight and she told herself that very thing every morning as she looked in the mirror. She criticized herself every day for poor eating choices and for not making the time to exercise. Also, she lamented that she couldn’t make herself a priority while she balanced her marriage, two children, a full-time job, and volunteering at church. She was just tired. Then she beat herself up for making excuses. The negative inner dialog never ended, maybe you can relate.
Her daughter’s “big body” comment was more than just two words. It was a confirmation of her failure to lose weight.
The key to fitness is forgiveness
I knew that I had to speak the truth to this woman. So, I told her that the key to fitness is forgiveness. I encouraged her to stop the negative dialog and forgive herself for not taking care of her body. She needed to forgive her daughter for the childish oversight that her words might hurt. She needed to accept forgiveness from God for the negative self-talk.
That’s right. Talking negatively about yourself is an insult to God. You are God’s child, created in His image, YOU are His most prized possession. The “apple of His eye.” Accepting God’s forgiveness and seeing yourself as He sees you is the key to ending the negative inner dialog.
I am so glad that God brought this woman to my Walk It Off Now challenge. I can’t wait for her to see how easy it is to start taking care of herself. When she starts seeing results of more energy and releasing weight and the emotions attached to that weight, I know she will be well on her way to a lifetime of making her health and fitness a priority.
Are you interested in joining my FREE Walk It Off Now Challenge? The more the merrier! Sign up here!
Sue Hamm says
Wendy…what a nice article you wrote. Interestingly enough this week’s Weight Watchers was along the same lines. Don’t let negative thoughts and comments shape your self worth. We are all beautiful people. Love, Sue
admin says
Hi Sue! 🙂 WOW – that is interesting. Great minds think alike I suppose. 😉 Miss you.