Whatchu Say!?

Today, I recognized a pattern of thinking that recurs each time I approach this stage of weight loss. Because my mind can't seem to wrap around the changes in my body, the internal dialogue goes like this: "Wow, I'm starting to feel thin. My clothes are getting loose. Healthy eating and exercise are starting to pay off."

"Are you kidding?" the other voice answers. "You still weigh more than your brother! Have you measured your thighs lately??"

And so it goes, ad nauseum. Back and forth. Back and forth.

Fertile Healthy posted a passage written by Christine Northrup that suggests women need to be in tune with their bodies.

"What is your image of yourself? How do you think you look to the world? To yourself? Through years of chronic dissatisfaction with their bodies and chronic dieting, many women develop an unrealistic image of themselves. Some feel much heavier than they actually are. But women who are in touch with their inner guidance system will often appear taller and more imposing physically than their actual body size indicates. The way you feel about yourself creates an electromagnetic field of energy around you that broadcasts these feelings to the world and attracts your reality to you. Choose your signal consciously."

Dr. Phil advises that we combat negative internal dialog with a confident verbal affirmation that reinforces mastery over previously destructive behaviors:

"It feels good to be in control. When I get up in the morning, I'm excited about the day. No longer ashamed of my reflection in the mirror, I like what I see and I'm proud of who I am. I've found the discipline to eat according to my needs rather than being driven by self-destructive habits, impulses, or diets. Able to face the day without overeating, I no longer allow habit and cues to dictate my life. I have a rock-solid foundation for my new eating habits that cannot be destroyed. I live more fully now that my body is functioning better, and I am free to forget about food and get on with living. Gone are my old excesses, and I now have time to use for productive, enjoyable activities....When I walk into a room, people are cheering for me because they have known and shared my struggle...As my body gets thinner, healthier and more athletic, I experience it with greater awareness and pleasure. I have gained a new satisfaction and self-respect in whatever I choose to do. I know life wont be a bed of roses in the future any more than it is today, but I know how to deal with difficulties. I know how to handle life with greater maturity. I know how to cope with life in positive ways without escaping into food. I am no longer going in circles but moving forward with tremendous clarity about why I am in this world and what I am supposed to do while I am here. There is adventure in my day and joy in my heart. I have learned to live a life of meaning and significance."

As I move forward, my intention is to repeat this sort of affirmation out loud until it drowns out the "other" voice that wants to doubt, question and undermine the progress I am making.

How do you monitor your internal dialog?

(Dr. Phil's quote from The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom)