Pursuing inner revolution

   As we vow to take better care of ourselves and make positive changes throughout the New Year, weight loss and exercise undoubtedly top most of our lists. While I believe taking care of our physical selves is extremely important, I would like to present the power of taking care of ourselves from the inside and encourage you to join me in making this commitment.
   Most of us take pride in maintaining a clean, neat appearance – we bathe, comb our hair, select our clothing, fuel our bodies with food and water and generally put some effort into our physical maintenance and even health and improvement. How much do we invest in our mental and emotional wellness, however? Do we allow the same care or is there an imbalance and pressure for one over the other? Inside and outside self-care are equally important and when we combine the two, it can be a truly revolutionary event. Let me share an example with you:
   One of the most personally empowering moments of inner revolution happened after visiting some friends. Someone I have known for years commented that my hips were looking a little big and I must’ve put on some weight. Interestingly, I was feeling great those days and enjoying actually having lost a few pounds.
   Five, even one year ago this sort of comment would have left me emotionally shaken and questioning my confidence. I would have been on the verge of tears and fighting off thoughts of embarrassment and shame. But I’ve been dedicated to improving the relationship with myself for a long time – my confidence, my esteem, my comfort and love for myself both inside and out.
    Amazingly, even to myself at the time and almost like needing to confirm and express my polar disagreement with the received negative statement and judging attitude, instead of stressing, I came home, grabbed the potato chips, got naked and sat in bed with all of the lights on in front of my lover, took a deep breath and felt like a goddess. It remains one of the most gratifying moments on my journey of self-growth and a wonderful treasure after so much struggle and hard work.
   After all the self-inflicted torture and years of strain to overcome outside comments, this was a celebration of success – a moment of triumph and manifestation of knowing, not just hoping and trying, that it is possible to live in a joyous state of mental and emotional empowerment.
   There may always be physical improvements we wish to pursue, but ultimately, nothing is more attractive than inner beauty and well-being.
   Dear friends – when you feel like the journey is too long or think your struggles are too much – before you give up, take one more step; give one more push. This way, you will never stop trying – you’ll always have one extra step and that one more may just be the one that graces you with an empowering moment of your own. And then, of course, don’t be afraid to step again.
   Remember that even when the road looks ugly and hard, there is a magnificent moment like nothing you’ve ever felt before waiting for you just up ahead and well worth the journey. Go get it – it’s yours!
Best wishes,
Barb Marynowski

Barbara H. Marynowski is a Senior Consultant for Internal Energy Plus. She is recognized as an expert in stress management, self-care and personal empowerment. Her passion is helping women live healthier, happier lives free from stress, shame, guilt or fear and she believes everyone has the right to pursue and live a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous life. Appointments and private sessions are available by contacting her directly at BMarynowski@IEPCorporate.com or 866-PLUS-4-YOU x708. Join her online daily on the Internal Energy Plus Yahoo! Group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/INTERNAL_ENERGY_PLUS/ and on her blog at http://www.barbaramarynowski.blogspot.com