I Nurture My Body By…

I nurture my body by being a self-care junkie. But here’s the real story: I’ve finally learned to listen to my body after years of ignoring all the warning signs that she’d had enough of this “wild child”. I believed I was invincible. She was on the verge of going kaput. My response? Adrenaline plus ice.

But there ain’t enough feel-good hormones or analgesics to sustain the highly physical careers I’ve chosen. My body had to sit me down multiple times – in the form of injury – and hand me ultimatums. Unless I learned how to nurture her, she would no longer tolerate me dropping into splits out of double turns, bungee jumping into audiences, performing hours of massage therapy, or spotting multiple Pilates clients per day. She would end it all with career ending pain or limited mobility. So, out of other options, I finally complied. I stopped waiting for the warning signs and nurtured my body out of pure respect for what she allowed me to do. And my body actually felt better and performed better. Go figure.

What I used to consider indulgences are now necessary lifestyle habits. I nurture my body with a regular Pilates practice, massage therapy, acupuncture, lots of water and healthy, organic foods. My next goal is to nurture my body with sleep, if only she’d let me. She continues to reject deep slumber despite the eye mask, CBD oil, and magnesium supplements. Ah, peri-menopause. *le sigh*

S.I.T. With Yourself in April

This month’s #soakedinthought journaling prompts are dedicated to body confidence and fitness as a lifestyle. As we move into Spring and the fitness industry ramps up its messaging about getting “in shape” for Summer, I hope you’ll sit with yourself to figure out what your body, mind, and spirit need to feel healthy, fit, and happy – without all the external voices.