I spent two-thirds of my life “dieting” or otherwise trying to “fix” myself. I did the math and it’s true! I just turned 36 and I put myself on my first calorie counting diet when I was twelve. Twelve! I still remember telling my half-brother I would “pass on the pancakes” and picked-up an orange instead.

That was the beginning of my life long quest to “fix” anything I saw as being “wrong” with me. Self-help books up the wazoo…you name it I’ve got it. Haven’t necessarily read it but I guarantee you I sought it out lol.

I imagined if I studied my shortcomings, mastered an understanding of them, and really worked hard I could eliminate them with sheer will and determination.

That was until yesterday. Because yesterday I realized something. That for the PAST YEAR and some change somethings shifted in me. I’ve stopped focusing on “fixing” me and started really LIVING instead.

I started filling myself up with things like voice lessons that soothe my very insides, (as one of my exes used to say “vibrations are the most pure form of communication” -and I call singing communicating with my spirit) monthly travel, dance classes, cooking, fitness, and the list goes on. I’ve poured my time and attention into growing through those experiences. I’ve shown up for myself by being CONSISTENT with them, and gradually, very gradually, what I’ve been experiencing is the unhealthy behaviors in my life, like overeating and smoking (shocking I know) slipping away.

And then it occurred to me…when it comes to living HAPPIER, HEALTHIER lives, maybe the answer is less focus on dieting, restricting, and eliminating parts of ourselves and focusing more on filling ourselves up with the good shit! That “mmmm, yes” please give me some more, good soul pleasing stuff.

Fill our lives up SO much that there’s no room, no time, no energy to be drawn towards old behaviors that get us jammed up.

Wellness and happiness is a lifestyle choice. If your focus on dieting and restricting and fixing yourself is wearing on you then pause. Give yourself a break. PUT THE BOOKS DOWN. Try LIVING instead.