Apr/May 2025 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 72

When we stop punishing ourselves for not fitting a certain mold and instead focus on nurturing our physical and mental wellbeing, we free ourselves from the cycle of self-doubt. Only then can we start living fully, embracing the confidence and happiness we’ ve always deserved.

Instead of punishing, depriving, and criticizing your body, which only makes you feel worse and keeps you stuck repeating the cycle of disappointment, frustration, and shame ….

You must learn how to love, respect, and nourish our body RIGHT NOW. Just as it is. This doesn’ t mean you don’ t set goals or continue taking action to reach them. It means you UNCONDITIONALLY love and accept yourself wherever you are on your journey.

When you do this, you’ ll naturally feel more motivated to create healthy habits that support both your physical and mental and well-being.

Body love might feel like a stretch for some of us, especially if we’ ve been in a tortured relationship with our bodies for years. So, begin with something that feels more approachable …. Body Respect.

Respecting your body doesn’ t mean you have to be thrilled with your reflection in the mirror at this very moment. What it does mean is learning to treat your body with dignity and honoring its needs. In short, treating it as you would treat someone you love.