Love The One You're With

In order to get the body you want, you have to love the one you have today.

That is some sound advice, but when you are staring in the mirror - and not liking what you see, it can be hard to find a way to love the body you have.

I have been trying different ways to explain to my clients how this works, but not quite getting them to jump on board with the "love".

Now I think I got it!

This weekend I was cleaning my house, and thinking about how much I love this house.  I do not want to move - ever.  However, I noticed that the walls needed painting, the floors need to be refinished, and I would love to make some changes - adding french doors from the kitchen to the deck, and adding on a cozy den, with an upstairs library...

So my house isn't perfectly what I want for me and my family, but I love it and I am looking forward to making the changes to make it perfect.  If I didn't love this house, I would not want to invest the time and effort and money to make perfect (according to my vision).

This is how it works with loving your body you have now - recognizing that all the foundation elements are there.  There is no place to move to, but you have the option to make changes - change hair color, change diet, lose/gain weight.

So to begin the transformation start with this simple mantra: 
"Even though I _(fill in the thing that you find unsatisfactory)____, I totally love and respect myself.

Example, "Even though I did not exercise today as I planned, I totally love and respect myself."

So, love the one (body) you're with.

Let me know if this worked for you - leave a comment.

What is the Purpose?

    by Sharon MacGregor

The answer is the question

When am I going to learn to STOP telling the universe how things should work out?  Sometimes, I do not realize that I am doing it.  I find myself in a situation, and assume it should go this way and then I spend, a lot of mental energy trying to force what I want to happen.  There is frustration, anxiety and anger in this approach.  Especially since it never, ever works out – plans fall apart, feelings get hurt, time and money is wasted. 

My response, of course is to swing to the other extreme – I am going to shun this situation. Ignore the feelings; denounce the connection or the energy.  That is equally frustrating, because it is a constant battle “to remember to forget” something that is ringing in your soul. 

Eventually, I collapse in mental exhaustion, “I give up.”  Then, as if by magic – some clarity begins to permeate my mind.  Not an answer, or a revelation of what must be done with clear directions on how to do it, but the right questions – What could possibly be the intended purpose of this situation in my life?  How can I serve?  How can I grow?  What are the gifts here?

I find myself in such a predicament, as I aspire to live as my authentic self.  I do not want to be hampered by shame or ego.  I want to follow the desires of my heart.  I can hear the judgment in my head constantly.  “Are you crazy?”   “That is stupid?”  “How are you going to explain this to everyone?”  “People are going to think you are (a)__________ (fill in the blank with several different words).”  I do not want to be guided in my choices by these comments.

I am consciously choosing my actions and my words and checking my intention.  I am focused on getting the gifts, learning the lessons (albeit, eventually).  I am finding that when I act from this place of “allowing”, there is a sweet joy, a comfort and inner strength.  I recognize that the outcome is not for me to determine.  It is for me to be real, to serve, to be a friend, to give love and acceptance.  When mistakes are made and my ego is ruffled, it is for me to forgive.

I have an extraordinary opportunity to express who I am – to do the work of asking for what I want, expressing my hurt, being thankful, appreciating goodness, kindness, sweetness – the attributes I seek to develop in myself.  I can create an extraordinary experience that will last a lifetime.  

So the lesson for me is to constantly check in with myself, be honest about my feelings and my struggles, and always ask the questions about purpose, because they are the answers.

Sharon MacGregor, owner of Serene Serendipity, is an Integrative Health and Lifestyle Coach and Yoga Instructor, working with people who are ready to reclaim their health and live their dreams.  She is a a passionate foodie.  Her approach is to bring balance and connection to all areas of life, so the everyday is fulfilling. This mother of 2, is intent on helping people live the life of their dreams today. www.sereneserendipity.com.  Twitter:  @serenesharon  Facebook: