Stop being so cruel to yourself.

I went on a hike with a wise friend of mine recently. I don’t get to spend much time with her, but when I do I always end up taking away some little bit of wisdom or insight into things.

This time was no different.

We were talking about our journeys regarding our bodies and our health/fitness. I’d mentioned that I had not shared what I had accomplished with some of my newer friends and was rather embarrassed showing photos of the “old” me.

I told her I didn’t want people to see what I looked like, I had come to the point where I was hating myself – how I looked and felt. I was disgusted by how far I had let myself slip and I felt very much the failure. It was not a good place mentally.

She gently reminded me not to hate that person, or be embarrassed by her. Give her the same love you would give anyone else.

She is right.

The past me deserves love, she also deserves respect for making a decision at a low part of her life to make some big changes and persevere in a challenge that many consider daunting (which it can be.)

I should not be embarrassed or nervous about sharing who I was or what I looked like. I should be proud of that woman for all she has accomplished in the last couple of years.

I encourage everyone to rethink how we view ourselves – past or present. It is something I struggle with all the time.

If you are currently in a place where you are not as happy or feel as good as you did 5 years ago, be kind to yourself and instead of looking to the past and wishing you were that person again, think about the path that has led you to where you are now and think about the future version of you and where you want to be, then how you can change the path you’re on to make that a reality.

If current you is in a better place than you were a few years ago, be proud of the past you who has taken steps in a positive direction and led you to where you are now.

In all scenarios, show yourself the love and respect you would give to others.

Know that you are able to change your path and go in a new direction if you want to. 

You have the power to make positive decisions and changes to go where you want to go.

Love who you are, who you were, and who you will become.