I had heard similar words before, not necessarily directed right at me, and I thought it sounded ridiculous. This time, however, they sank deep. They bothered me, actually. I could feel the truth behind those words for the first time ever, but I had no idea where to start. I let his words simmer in the back of my mind and seep into my heart. I began to pay attention to people who had the body confidence that I wanted. I heard many of them speak about the power of self-love; I noticed that most people who seemed confident were involved in something they were passionate about; and somehow they seemed to carry a common theme of “being” rather than “doing.”

Being vs Doing: What did that even mean? I had the thought to begin practicing yoga. Honestly, I thought it would just be a way to stretch my tight muscles–I thought the meditation part was weird–but being immersed in the atmosphere of the class, I began to notice more peace inside myself.  I found that with continued practice I was becoming more aware of my body–how it worked–and that being aware of every part of my body made it possible for me to not only perform the poses better but also to release all the chatter of my mind. I began to notice more of what was going on around me, even outside of the yoga studio. The first year it was all but impossible for me to look at the mirror “into my own two eyes,” as the practice suggested. It was so uncomfortable–almost disgusting to me–but, as I continued to attend class, even that began to change. I realized that I had almost been a stranger to my own body, and I slowly allowed myself to become friends with that image in the mirror.

Passion for Life:  I thought my next step happened by accident, but the more I realize that there truly are no coincidences, the more I am certain that it was exactly the right thing at the right time for me. I attended Good to Great with David TS Wood on his island in Belize. I thought I was going just to be with my husband, Dave, because the retreat was held during the week of our 22nd anniversary. Since I was only allowed to attend if I participated, I decided I’d play along. Wow! That was such a life changing event!! It was hard and scary and pushed me in many ways, and it showed me that passion for life really does exist outside of my comfort zone.  I realized that I could do hard things, and I also realized how supportive people are. I met beautiful people I could call friends, and more importantly, they helped me to believe that they also called me friend.
Self-Love:  Because I felt a desire to truly love myself, I decided to treat myself as such. I found an accountability partner who showed me how to switch things just a little to get maximum benefit out of the foods I chose to eat. I began losing weight immediately. I began to change the way I felt about exercise. I let myself try new activities until I found something I enjoyed. I no longer go to the gym feeling like I need to “kill it” in order to get results. The more fun I have, the more I feel like I’m working with my body instead of against it.

So… what about negative self-talk? 

The post “Love Yourself Thin”–What does that even mean? first appeared on Cary MacArthur.

The post “Love Yourself Thin”–What does that even mean? appeared first on Cary MacArthur.

I call it #ThoughtfulThursday.

Thoughtful, as in “full of thought.” Only this week, I am feeling more the thoughtfulness of people and the miracles of life,  and I’m Thankful.

So, I’ll also call it #ThankfulThursday.

I mentioned that I PLAN to do a weekly blog post, and lately, each Thursday I find excuses to not do it. I’ve talked about it before. Apparently, there’s still a “perfection” block somewhere. Of course, this means overcoming the need for blogging perfection has become my next deep dive.

Last night (which was Thursday) as I laid in bed–somewhere between asleep and awake–I first realized I yet again missed a #ThoughtfulThursday post.  My thoughts turned quickly, however, to the recent happenings of my life. Suddenly I was overcome with gratitude as I realized that so many of the VISIONS I have written on my 3×5 cards have been manifesting! Life is a progression of miracles!

• Manifestation #1: On Wednesday, I became a published author as Journey of Riches: Personal Changes was released on Amazon. It’s a compilation book headed by John Spender, and my story is told in Chapter 2: “Time To Stop Hiding.” (A little bit ironic, hey?)
• Manifestation #2: Next week, October 5 (also Thursday) my first podcast will be born: Dare to Find Your V.O.I.C.E.  I remember how afraid I was to join Dave on the Mechanic to Millionaire podcast 3 years ago. I also knew that if I said no, he probably wouldn’t ask again, and deep down, I really wanted to join him. I am so glad that I did! It has blessed my life in so many ways!!
  • And now I also have MY OWN SHOW!
• Manifestion #3: Community! Friends! Connection to beautiful, powerful people who support me and whom I am blessed to support in return. I am surrounded by this blessing every day!

I am so overcome!! Amazed! Awestruck! 

And yet…it feels so natural and “in the flow…” 

The gratitude is real.

Today I recorded three podcast interviews. I really love interviewing people. The stories of ALL people fascinate me, and some touch me in powerful ways. The three ladies I interviewed today have all blessed my life, and I am still so touched by the words of wisdom they shared with me (and soon all of my listeners) today. One in particular, Udana Power, talked about how she cherishes the “juiciness of ordinary moments.” As she spoke, I realized that THAT is the very source of my gratitude!!

When I first joined Mechanic to Millionaire, I was hesitant to share my stories. I used to think they were too ordinary and small and extremely unimportant, but as Dave and I talk about the principles of success, so many times I feel compelled to share the little things! I used to worry that I said too much, but every time I share my silly little fears and how I have pushed myself through them, those are the times that I receive messages of love and gratitude from beautiful people. Those are the times that I get to feel YOU–the listeners, my friends–because you also open up and share with me.  So THIS is what I am feeling so grateful for tonight–the love and support that all of my listeners, friends, partners give me–always. It’s because of all of YOU that I am able to speak my V.O.I.C.E., and I’m extremely grateful.

Your kindness and acceptance have led me to find my calling. I feel it more and more deeply each day.

I will end with this simple little “accidental” video that explains how I came to first accept then grow into my current role of connecting women to their virtue, power, and purpose. But really, there are no accidents… 😉

The post #ThoughtfulThursday: #ThankfulThursday first appeared on Cary MacArthur.

The post #ThoughtfulThursday: #ThankfulThursday appeared first on Cary MacArthur.