When I was talking on the phone a few weeks ago about my blog to a friend, she asked me for some insight into what I’d learned while interviewing people. My top strengths in the StrengthsFinder test is Individualization, which leads me “to be intrigued by the unique qualities of each person.” I can readily see where each specific person found her (or his) way to moving beyond yoyo diets. But generalizing that into steps for the rest of us: haven’t figured that out yet. Working on it, though.
And in that moment (well, actually after I hung up the phone…delayed reaction…sigh), I realized the first step, the one that really seems to swing people across the great chasm from teeth gritting and white knuckling diets to sustainably eating in harmony with their bodies: it’s honoring themselves.
It’s making change from a place of reverence for their lives and for who they are. It’s deep, deep caring for themselves.
It’s not shame.
It’s not berating themselves.
It’s not urgency or worry or anxiety or threats from doctors.
It’s kindness.
For self.
Beyond Yoyos 