My Body Pledge of Allegiance

author/source: Peg Doyle, M.Ed., CHHC

All through my life, I have found reasons to not like my body. It had too many freckles. My tummy wasn’t flat enough. My breasts sagged a bit. I wasn’t perfect.

But now as I grow older and look at photos of my younger self, I am awed to think that for one moment I thought those things about myself. I was perfect then. And I’ve decided something else: I am PERFECT now.

Our bodies are the home we live in every day of our lives. Even science, not just holistic thinkers, know that our cells hear us, what we say about ourselves and feel about ourselves. For this reason, I have decided it is in my best interest, and in the best interest of all women, to LOVE the body we live in.

I invite you to virtually join me in saying this pledge of allegiance to your body every day.

I pledge allegiance to the body I have, treating it with the kindness and respect it deserves.

I promise to stop myself from criticizing any and all parts of my body; instead appreciating it for all it does.

I promise that I will not allow the scale or a dress size define me; but rather look for ways to care for the body I’ve been given.

I promise to clothe myself with care and attention, knowing how I present myself is a reflection of how I feel about myself.

I promise to nourish myself with foods that energize and strengthen my body, and to forego those foods that foster disease,

I promise to carry myself with confidence and pride, ever grateful to be here one more day.

I promise to stop covering symptoms of dis-ease with medications and instead to listen to my body and respond to its needs.

I promise to move my body in ways that give it joy and a sense of power and to feel the essence of my sensuality.

With these promises, I embrace my body with the deepest sense of gratitude and belonging.

For more on caring for your body, mind, and spirit, visit www.wellnessandyou.com