The tragedy of this lifetime: you not fully loving every inch of your body

The “If Only” Voice and Body Image

I think it would be the tragedy of this lifetime if you didn’t eventually allow yourself to fully love every inch of your body.

“Well Krista, I would love every inch of my body if only A, B, and C were X, Y, or Z.”

I like to call this the “if only” voice. The voice that makes you feel that your life would be perfect if your body were “perfect.”

“If only this were different, if only that didn’t happen, if only this, if only that… then everything would be different.”

The “if only” voice isn’t you.

She’s a protection mechanism. And she may be a little loud this week.

Instead of trying to resist her, fight her, reason with her, or silence her…

Recognize what she sounds like. What she feels like. And see that she’s not you.

Give her a tone of voice. A name, even.

Sit her down for tea and tell her:

“Listen. I know you’re concerned with my well-being. I know you’re afraid of me not belonging, being unloved, cast out, or rejected. But you are actually isolating me and keeping me from the self-love and sovereignty that is my birthright.

I’m safe. I’m an adult. My nervous system is outgrowing this pattern. I don’t need you anymore. I’m excited to see what’s on the other side of this.

Thank you for trying to protect me. This pattern is outdated.”

She may always be a player in the room. She may always whisper.

But recognize her for what she is. Remember she’s not you. And she doesn’t know the truth.

And honestly, what’s the alternative?

Do you want to spend the rest of your life being almost satisfied? Almost joyful? Half-living in your body?

I definitely f—cking don’t.