Happy New Year everyone...it’s certainly been awhile since you’ve heard from me! Seems I had to choose researching and developing my book outline for The Empress’s New Clothes Don’t Fit, rather than writing and publishing my ezine. Not what I had planned but then I’ve learned by now that when a plan doesn’t unfold the way we’ve decided it should, there’s always rich learning waiting for us if we’re open to receiving it, and exponentially greater outcomes when we do.
So here’s something to consider as you possibly embark on your own plan for the new year — are you developing the capacity to choose how you feel whenever your plan falters? Because in that moment, how you treat yourself is more important than the plan. This compassion is essential to self-love, and self-love is vital to recognizing “you’re exactly where you need to be” right now to receive the learning waiting for you.
As a weight loss coach, I find this time of year particularly rife with weight loss offerings and beguiling before and after photos trying to convince you their program works. It’s time someone set the record straight about what you’re NOT seeing. These photos can’t tell you if the inner work has been done to ensure the weight doesn’t come back. These photos can’t tell you if the confidence in the person’s face will turn to disappointment when the weight creeps back on. And these photos can’t convey any evidence of self-love because, by their very nature, they’re capturing only the externals of an individual. Don’t be drawn in by these vacuous, visual promises.
What I know for sure is the body can lose weight faster than the mind, and if the inner work is not done, the only thing you’re seeing is weight displacement NOT true weight loss — which means the weight must come back. What I also know is larger people live smaller lives, they hold themselves back from life’s best opportunities. Real confidence is developed through growing yourself up and out of your weight issue by evolving your mindset and skillset — which means it is never defined by externals, nor will it dissipate if externals change.
And finally, to know if a weight loss approach has worked, you need to see what it looks like from the inside. That’s why I take before and after snapshots of my clients in the form of self-talk letters, so they can see for themselves the myriad shifts in their language, their beliefs, their visions, and the deep level of self-love they’ve nurtured.
My feature article for this issue introduces the essential components of self-love, the “compassionate witness” and the “unconditional champion” within each of us. You’ll find these beautifully illustrated through the words of one of my current clients called “A”, who has now realized her dream of losing over 45 pounds, and regained her sense of self and her life in the process. Thank you A, for this gift of your experience...you’re inspiring us all to greater outcomes.
With reverence,
Coach Kath
If you (or someone you care about) have been searching for a weight loss process such as this, I have 4 individual coaching spots available at my current rates, which will be increasing on February 16, 2009. Any clients on my roster by this date, are guaranteed my current rate for at least one year. Call now to secure your spot and make 2009 YOUR year!