It happens like clockwork. Every January, the cries of “New Year, new you!” begin. The targeted ads to lose weight or change your body start increasing. Conversations begin revolving around “lifestyle changes.” Things you are pretty sure are diets get disguised as wellness.
It’s exhausting. Being a human with a body in our culture is just plain exhausting. And once the New Year fades into just another year, and the resolutions to overhaul lives do too, the incessant diet chatter will pick back up again and start fear mongering for spring break swimsuits. The 66.3 billion dollar diet industry thrives year round.
Here’s your reminder that your body is just enough as it is. You have a right to exist in the body you exist in. Period. No caveats. No prerequisites. You are absolutely worthy as you are now. And while I will shout this from the rooftops all day, it can be difficult to keep in perspective when our culture is so unrelenting with their criticisms and arbitrary ideals.
In a culture that isn’t safe for all bodies, it’s important to begin a practice of cultivating a space that is anti-diet. I think of it as your own personal shield to hold up against diet culture, a safe space that is mobile with you. While this will look uniquely different for each person, here are some places to begin:
What I want you to remember above all else is that it is not YOU who is wrong: it’s the culture. Creating a space that is anti-diet is a radical act.
“Humans are wired for connection.” We’ve all heard it before, and for good reason. People who feel strongly connected to others have lower rates of depression and anxiety than those who don’t. Strong social connection can impact our self-esteem and increase our ability to feel empathy toward others. Connectedness can literally even strengthen the immune system! But somewhere along the line, our cultural understanding of human connection became conflated with romantic connection.
Read More...One thing that doesn’t typically mix is parties and the whole “sober” thing. Our social culture is set up to glorify happy hours, dinner and drinks, or spending time with friends around a few cocktails and beers. Unfortunately, as someone who no longer drinks or uses substances, this isn’t really an option for me anymore. So, how do you manage to survive family dinners, friend get togethers, and office parties, and festive celebrations?
Read More...