Did you know that you are allowed to change? How often, in your journey of health or working on your relationship with food, do you compare yourself to the person that you used to be?
Change is a huge part of healing and growth. And it can also be really hard! I think that looking back on our lives and who we used to be can come with a few different sides/feelings. On one hand, as you’re growing, changing, and healing, you can be making amazing progress. So as you’re looking back, you can feel a lot of pride and joy and accomplishment because of where you are and who you are now compared to who you used to be. On the other hand, sometimes healing and change and growth can bring a lot of hard. You can feel like you’re making steps backwards rather than forwards. So looking back, you can feel defeated and sad that you’re struggling in comparison to where you used to be. And I think there’s a third side that we don’t often talk about or think about. When you’re healing/growing/changing, there’s a LOT of change.
Your life and who you were before is constantly changing. And while it’s exciting and healthy, you can start to grieve the life that you used to have.
You may feel the desire to go back to that place, even though it’s an unhealthy place. I want you to know that ALL of these feelings are normal and okay.
If you’re feeling any of these emotions as you’re growing and healing, have grace with yourself. Acknowledge the feelings, sit with them, allow them to exist, and remember that they do not define you. Emotions and feelings are a small part of you, they do not define you. Another very important truth to remember as you are healing, is that you are not who you used to be! This can be scary and hard, as we talked about, however, it’s also helpful. Instead of comparing yourself to who you used to be, I want you to start viewing yourself as who you are now. If you constantly compare yourself and your life to who you used to be, you’ll never actually be present with who you are now.
It is OKAY to look back. It’s healthy sometimes to see how far you’ve come, how you’ve changed, or what you might want to incorporate back into your life. However, you don’t want to stay stuck in looking back. You are beautiful and worthy and enough just as you are – right now. No matter how much change – for good or bad – has happened. And you should always focus on moving forward, growth, and change based on who you are now, not who you used to be. It’s also very important in your journey of growth and change, to stay away from comparing yourself to others.
Every single person is on their own personal journey. Every person’s journey is different, so don’t get caught up in comparing and forget how much progress you’re making just because you’re not as far along as other people.
As you’re working on healing and becoming who you want to be, continue to focus on who you are now. Be proud of yourself and always focus on growing and healing the person you are NOW, not the person you used to be or the person you wish you were. We all change and have our own struggles, and you’re going to need different things at different points in your life – so focus on your life right now. And as always, remember that you are not alone. You are worthy of a beautiful life, and healing, growth, and change want to be your friend!
Abby Horst
A podcaster, wife, health/wellness coach, beach lover, and musician. She specialises in nutrition education, meal planning, and developing sustainable habits. She passionately works with her patients to help them build healthier and happier relationships with food, exercise, and themselves.
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