YOU MATTER MOST: YOUR #1 RELATIONSHIP

The MOST important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself.

Everything in your life is a reflection of your relationship with yourself. Most often we focus on our relationships with others – family, parents, kids,

siblings, friends, co-workers, etc. In doing so, we forget the most important person in our entire lives – ourselves.

If you were to define what creates a healthy relationship, you most likely would list components such as: communication, respect, connection, love, fun, trust, understanding, listening…the list goes on.

The question is, how well are you applying those aspects to yourself?

Do you take time to connect with yourself?
Do you trust yourself?
How do you show yourself respect?
How do you speak to yourself?
How well do you listen to your own needs and desires?

The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for all other relationships in your life.

If we dive a little deeper into this revelation, we can see that a huge aspect of your relationship with self is how you see, feel about and treat your own body.

Your body is your home.
Your body is what makes you human.
Your body is the vessel through which you experience life.
Your body is your most trusted advisor.
Your body is sacred.

The only way to achieve vibrant health, AND sustain it, is to love and honor yourself along the journey. Punishment, shame and judgment will never lead to radiant health.

Relationships thrive on love, respect, compassion and connection. Your body deserves, and needs, the same.

Steps to Improve Your Relationship with Your Body:

Acknowledge that you have a relationship with your body. Seeing that you are in partnership with your body will hugely impact how you approach your health. This shift alone is a new beginning on your journey.

Communicate. Open the lines of communication between you and your body. Be willing to slow down enough to check-in with your body. Ask your body questions such as: How are you feeling today? How is your energy today? What would make you feel nourished today? What can I do to support you today?

Appreciate. Say thank you. Acknowledge all your body does, and has done, for you. Just as you would tell a friend or loved one how much you appreciate him or her, you must also tell your body how appreciative you are. Appreciate what you may otherwise take for granted – being able to walk, see, taste, smell. Be thankful for all your body does day-to-day to keep you alive. If you realize that you have been rather ungrateful, use this prayer to re-establish a loving partnership; "I am sorry. Please, forgive me. Thank you. I love you."

Be gentle: We are most often our worst critics. No one is perfect. Acceptance is foundational in creating a healthy relationship with your body. Be gentle and compassionate with your perceived flaws. What your body needs most is loving encouragement, positive affirmation and impeccable self-care.

"I am here for you no matter what. I accept you no matter what."
"I am learning to listen to you. I am learning to trust you. I love you"
"I am learning to embrace you fully exactly as you are."

Establish trust: Your body will trust you the more you listen to it, and honor what she/he needs. Imagine your body is need of rest and you ignore it's call. Instead of resting, you force yourself to go to the gym and/or stay up too late finishing a work project. When your body feels neglected and dismissed, she/he loses trust in you. To establish trust, you must start listening to your body's messages, and taking action to honor those cues.

Creating a good relationship with yourself doesn't always come easily. It is a continuous life long journey. When it's difficult, remind yourself of how important it is, of how important you are. Embrace the process. Don't neglect that vital relationship with yourself. After all, it's the one relationship you've had -- and will continue to have -- for your entire life.

"A relationship with our bodies is exactly that: a relationship. And as with any relationship, it can be positive and affirming or negative and destructive. It requires consistent communication and attention. Your relationship with yourself can be incredibly rewarding or a source of sadness and anxiety. There will always be ups and downs, but by practicing healthy and consistent behaviors, you will find yourself balancing somewhere in the middle.

Learning to love and care for our bodies and our whole selves can be a daunting process. Expect some setbacks, but accept them and move towards a healthier relationship:"