Did you know the choices that you make each day are actually an outward reflection of who you are and what you believe about yourself? Choices come from one of two places - a place of love or a belief in fear.  Are your choices coming from a place of loving yourself or a belief in fear?  Many of my clients over the years,  have shared that they unknowingly held the fear-based belief that they could never have anything better, they could in some way fail or a belief that they didn't deserve good things, happiness, money, love, etc. Choices based in old beliefs such as these can keep you stuck in a dead end job, an unfulfilling relationship or can be the root of over eating. 

 

Self-loving choices can include eating a balanced diet that is filled with wholesome, natural and healthy foods such as dark green vegetables, and whole grains.  They can mean learning to say "no" when it is easier to say, "yes". Self-loving choices include a willingness to develop a trust in Life, that it will support you in moving away from situations that no longer nourish your soul and move you towards those that do, even when it feels a bit scary. The important thing to remember is that making no choice, is making a choice. 

 

We are made out of flesh and bones as well as energy.  So, when your energy is feeling zapped and you are not sleeping well and/ or you are constantly tired, reaching for the next cup of coffee or getting through your afternoon on with a quick sugary pick-me-up, you may want to take a look at the choices you are making in the other areas of your life.  Check in with yourself and ask if you are making choices that feel in alignment with who you are, who you want to be and where you are wanting to go in your life?  

 

I invite you to make the time to look at the beliefs you hold about yourself and about life. Perhaps talk to a friend, your spouse or we can spend an hour together in a safe and supportive atmosphere. It may be time for you to discover if you are making choices based upon beliefs you developed 20, 30 or more years ago.  Maybe from events in childhood?  Imagine yourself wearing the same outfit tomorrow that you wore to the school dance many years ago.  You wouldn't think of it and besides, there is a very small chance it would even fit.  Yet, you may be doing that  very same thing with your beliefs.

 

When you change those beliefs, you change your choices. When you change your choices, you change your life. The best part is that you can change them at any moment. And you can start with the smaller ones.  Just like the Nintendo games that children play, there is always a new response waiting for each new choice that you make. Your life, your health, your well-being and your happiness are waiting for you now.  What choice are you making?

 

Criticism never changes a thing.  Refuse to criticize yourself.  Accept yourself exactly as you are.  Everybody changes.  When you criticize yourself, your changes are negative.  When you approve of yourself, your changes are positive. 

 

2. BE GENTLE & KIND & PATIENT.   Be gentle with yourself.  Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself as you learn the new ways of thinking.  Treat yourself as you would someone you really loved.

 

3.  BE KIND TO YOUR MIND.  Self-hatred is only hating your own thoughts.  Don't hate yourself for having the thoughts.  Gently change your thoughts.

 

4.  PRAISE YOURSELF.  Criticism breaks down the inner spirit.  Praise builds it up.  Praise yourself as much as you can.  Tell yourself how well you are doing with every little thing.

 

5.  SUPPORT YOURSELF.  Find ways to support yourself.  Reach out to friends and allow them to help you.  It is being strong to ask for help when you need it.

 

6.  BE LOVING TO YOUR NEGATIVES.  Acknowledge that you created them to fulfill a need. Now you are finding new, positive ways to fulfill those needs.  So lovingly release the old negative patterns.

 

7.  TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY.  Learn about nutrition.  What kind of fuel does your body need to have optimum energy and vitality?  Learn about exercise.  What kind of exercise can you enjoy? Cherish and revere the temple you live in.

 

8.  MIRROR WORK.  Look into your eyes often.  Express this growing sense of love you have for yourself.  Forgive yourself looking into the mirror.  Talk to your parents looking in to the mirror. Forgive them too.  At least once a day say, "I love you, I really, really love you __________!

 

9.  LOVE YOURSELF . . DO IT NOW.  Don't wait until you get well or lose the weight, or get the new job, or the new relationship.  Begin now - and do the best you can.

 

3 cups water

2 Tablespoons poppy seeds

   Pinch of sea salt

1 carrot, finely grated

1/3 cup minced sparsely

1 green onion, sliced 

 

A universal favorite - - light, fluffy, and flavorful.

Roast quinoa by stirring in a skillet over medium heat until it smells toasty, but don't brown.  Meanwhile, heat water.  Just before it boils, add quinoa, onion, poppy seeds and salt. Cover, and simmer 20 minutes.  Then, turn off heat, add carrot, parsley, and green onion, and toss to fluff.  Let it sit 5 minutes to blend flavors. Serve with a side of beans or other protein choice.  Or, chill and dress with a light vinaigrette.