I realized that if I ever wanted to change physically it needed to start from the inside, by building a foundation of love and acceptance. So I did the dirty work. I journaled, read countless books and surrendered whatever timeline or expectations I had for myself. This did not happen overnight. It took a lot of work, self reflection and awareness to reverse years of body shaming and negative self-talk. And if I am being honest, it is something I still have to intentionally work on to this day.
Once I changed my mindset, I began moving out of love for my body. Instead of looking at exercise as a way to punish my body for my poor food choices, I began looking at it as a way of celebrating my body for all that it could do. I also started looking at it as an investment in my future. As an Occupational Therapist I see first hand what years of neglecting your health will do to your body as you age. Fair warning: it is not pretty. Move now so you can continue to enjoy life later.
I eventually found the joy in movement. Almost 2 years later and I have never been stronger or more consistent than I am today. This is why I took a leap of faith and decided to create the fitness journal I wanted for myself. I realized that the Move With Purpose fitness journal could be helpful for women struggling with their body image as well.
I am still on my own journey to becoming the best version of myself and loving myself every step of the way. It is a choice I make everyday and I pray that MELA VIE empowers you to do the same.
Nowadays, you can still find me reading a book but instead of cookies I’m sipping on Chai Tea….with an occasional cookie here and there ;)
xoxo
Melissa
And in reality, I was. At any given day you could have found me reading a Harry Potter book while snacking on a box of cookies. I struggled with my weight and body image and spent years picking my body apart, experimenting with all the latest diet and exercise trends. But nothing stuck and how I felt about myself and my body only grew worse.
It wasn’t until I began diving into God’s word that things began to change. I began learning about the unconditional love of God, how I was made with purpose, how my body is considered a temple, a sacred place. And that was when I finally learned this:
MY BODY, MIND, AND SOUL ARE NOT ISOLATED FROM EACH OTHER.
THEY ARE INTERCONNECTED AND IF ONE IS AFFECTED THEN THEY ALL ARE.
I CAN’T LOVE ONE AND HATE THE OTHER BECAUSE MY MIND AND SOUL LIVE WITHIN MY BODY.
MY BODY, MIND, AND SOUL ARE NOT ISOLATED FROM EACH OTHER.
THEY ARE INTERCONNECTED AND IF ONE IS AFFECTED THEN THEY ALL ARE.
I CAN’T LOVE ONE AND HATE THE OTHER BECAUSE MY MIND AND SOUL LIVE WITHIN MY BODY.
i can help because i've been there
hey love! I'm Melissa
Growing up, I was always referred to as the "chubby one."