Beyond Weight Loss New Year's Resolutions

Did you know that weight loss is one of the most common New Year's resolutions?

As someone who used to make this resolution regularly, I get it. With all the chaos in the world, the idea of controlling something is very appealing. But intentional weight loss doesn't work long-term, and often leads to weight gain and/or eating disorders.

Any weight loss experienced as a result of a New Year's resolution is likely to be a short-lived thrill. That's why you may have found yourself making this resolution over and over again, year after year (like I used to!). It's not because there's something wrong with us. It's because there's something right with us: our bodies are doing just what they're meant to do—seek equilibrium.

Letting go of the fantasy of weight loss is a big deal. But whatever's underneath the fantasy—that's NOT something to let go of. When I ask myself why I want to be thinner, my mind produces excellent reasons: to feel beautiful, loved, respected, accepted, free... So valid. I want those things for all of us. Living in a culture that values thinness makes it harder. But I don't have to fight oppression by conforming to it. I can choose a different path. I can choose to go for the things I want, regardless of size. What would it be like to decide to feel beautiful, loved, respected, accepted, and free right now, exactly as I am? And if I already had that, then what?