BBL/DAY 2: GRATITUDE.

Hello, Hello! Thanks for swinging back after my notes and thought work yesterday on Day 1 of @AshleyRoseReeves Better Body Love 10-Day Challenge. I know it was a pretty long and intense ♥️ one.

But, I’m learning with so many of you that we have to first go back, wake back and dig deep for lasting change to find true and lasting Body Love instead of going after all those quick fixes that we are served up daily in the toxic diet culture.

Today on Day 2 We’re hanging out with Gratitude and also this where Ashley introduces us to her custom framework and foundation finding Better Body Love.

Yesterday’s Infinite Worth is the base of her Triangle mode and if you haven’t watched DAY TWO in her BBL IG STORY HIGHLIGHTS this be perfect time to swing over and you’ll you know what I’m talking about in my To-Do thought work 😊.

GRATITUDE BODY SCAN

I’ve done my share of gratitude practices over the years beginning with Oprah’s Gratitude Journal ah la 1990’s. Sidenote: I really realize how much Oprah has impacted my life over the years 😂😘.

And it’s still a practice all over the place and for a reason.

Gratitude works! to helps step out of our daily worry and grind for a few moments to focus on the good, simple things we often take for granted.

But, after all the years of practicing some form of gratitude daily. I never thought to focus solely on my Body.

This Gratitude Scan that Ashley shares today though simple- It’s pretty powerful. I’ve been using it the last 10 nights before I going to bed and have noticed some awesome shifts in how I think of my body. And how in-depth my body gratitude has become. I’ve heard left my negative comparisons, but each day they become smaller and Smaller.

Here is my one I wrote down in my BBL Journal:

I’m so Grateful:

For the Hair on top of my head.
My Brain that creates.
My Eyes that see Spring unfolding.
My Nose that smells the fresh air now.
My Lips that speak and smiles.
My Neck that holds my head.
My Heart that beats life.
My Lungs the inhale and exhale.
My Arms to embrace.
My Hands that hold.
My Fingers that touch and write.
My Stomach that helps nourish me.
My Back that stands up.
My Legs that get me where I need and want to go.
My Knees that bend.
My Ankles that twist and turn..
My Feet that takes steps and holds me firmly in place.

I hope you might give it a try.

22.5 years old. 1997. Talladega, Alabama.

GRATITUDE PERSPECTIVE PRACTICE 1.

This Two Part To-Do was Heart opening and so healing to say the least. The first part was Taking the age you are now (I’m 45) and halfing it. Asking:

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO HER?

That would make me 22.5 years old. And that Cindy was not a happy camper. I often call that time in my life the Dark Ages. I was miserable and despite the smile on my face in the picture above. I was really at a low point. Actually this the only picture I really have from that time.

I had taken it to send to my Mom back home in Minnesota with Dad’s Polaroid Camera down in Alabama where I was living too. Ha on a lighter note a selfie before selfies were a thing;)

I had moved in with my Dad because I was having a horrible time with Depression and Anxiety. Paralyzing Anxiety to be exact. My emotional/binge eating was also at a all-time high. I felt so alone and abandoned by my friends who didn’t understand what I was going through as they were enjoying there early 20’s.

I felt like a burden and the “best” I could was self-isolate. My Dad was so amazing during this time. Helping me the best he could and knew.

So, writing this Letter to Myself back then has lifted a lot of that shame and hurt. Allowing me to realize how far I have come.

The letter I wrote is actually too long to post here and to be honest I prefer to keep it myself now. It definitely was a love letter honoring my pain, fear and struggle. Letting myself know I did my best with what I was going through. And I have her Back Now.

GRATITUDE PERSPECTIVE PRACTICE 2.

The Second Part was a bigger challenge. I have some major issues with seeing myself beyond a 10 year timeline I was given by my Surgeon after my Open Heart Surgery.

When I received my replacement pig valve, I was told I would have to replace it in ten years which weirdly translated to I have only that time left. I know it’s absurd to be that doomsday, but our fear thoughts can misguide us.

So, doubling my age to 90 seemed crazy! But, I did it anyhow and asked the question:

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOU NOW?

Holy Buckets you made it. 90! And you still wear red lipstick ♥️. Remember after your surgery how you only had 10 years on that piggy valve and how it terrified you. But, it lasted longer than expected. You beat the odds and you are still here sweet girl.

My advice to you now… is love that body that helps you discover this beautiful life and honor the lessons/joys your Momma taught you.

When she died at 63 she would of given anything to be healthy. So, take of yourself sweetheart. Stop the comparison game. Find that sweet spot of balance and inherent value. You’ve got life.

And at 45 it’s only the beginning. You have so much to do and experience. But, most of Love to give and Receive. Use that creativity and unique perspective.

I love you!

Thanks for letting me share and I hope this serves you in some way to uncover your own Body Love Gratitude.

I will see you here tomorrow for BBL’s Day 3. Acceptance.

Love, Cynthia