First, what even is self-love? And why do I care about it as a personal trainer?
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, love is definitely in the air. I’m pretty specific about the definition of self love that I use when trying to help my clients engage in the self-nurturing they really need to thrive, and keeping them out of the trap of self-indulgence.
To me, when you love something, you take care of it. You might not think it’s perfect. It might not be the best at everything, or in the best condition. That old sweater or handbag you love despite its patches and frayed edges, your pet that you love no matter how many times it mistakes the hallway for its designated relief area, or all the imperfect other people in our lives.
You wouldn’t end a friendship because your pal ate more carbs at lunch than they had planned to, or wore a different swimsuit on vacation than the would have preferred.
So, when you love yourself, you can show it by taking care of yourself. Giving yourself a little grace to be human. Treating yourself with respect and kindness. Setting yourself up to succeed.
That might mean…
- Eating your veggies and/or going for a walk even when you’re not feeling it, because you know you need those things
- Sleeping! Having a bedtime, even if it’s not always “fun”
- Not giving up on yourself
- Drinking water, because it helps with that foggy feeling, insomnia, fat burning, and all sorts of other physical needs…and it gives you a break from your desk
- Taking things one step at a time, instead of expecting impossible perfection from yourself
- Celebrating each success along the way, because you worked hard to make that happen
I didn’t say you have to like everything about yourself. Most people don’t. But, you can’t hate yourself into changing, either. And, if we are talking about working out and making physical changes, you have to accept that your body, among the many ways you think of it, is your home. So, don’t trash it and expect it to feel cozy and well taken-care of. If you give it some love and care, it will notice, even if it might not do it immediately in the way you first hoped it would.
(You know, like all those other people in our lives.)
Be patient with yourself.
Allow yourself to take steps. Don’t rush.
And, when you don’t know which step is next, I’m here to help <3
I would love to see you….
- NEW TIME: Wednesday 6:30pm Zumba at Jerabeck Athletic Center (free; second floor dance studio, street parking)
- Saturday 9:30am Zumba at Montrose Collective (free, meets at 888 Westheimer, street/garage parking, and make sure to use your Zumba discount at the Plant Project!)
- Sunday 9am Zumba (free, meets at Levy Park – 3801 Eastside)
- Monday 6:30pm Zumba (free, meets at Levy Park – 3801 Eastside)
