say hello to the elephant

There is so much I want to write about… so many Elephants I need to stroke, hug, chat to, and introduce you to… but I feel that I really need to write about my overall theme for this year, because I think it will rear its ‘elephant head’ as the year progresses, and I will need to de-brief with you!

In one of my earlier blogs, you can read about how I don’t choose new year resolutions, but I choose a theme, and I have a “Year of……….”.

This year, for me, it is the “Year for Project Body Love”. Not to be confused with an earlier “Year of the Body”. Year of the body, was about shaping my body, experimenting with food and training, and putting myself on stage to be judged. Project Body Love is very very different. Here is how it came about…….

Uni summer break had started. The first 4 weeks, I spent sleeping, and re-connecting with my husband and children. I missed them soooo much, and I’d like to think they missed me too.  Once I was calmer, and my ‘sleep bank’ re-filled, I pulled out some books on Midwifery that I had bought earlier in the year.

They were by Ina May Gaskin and called “Spiritual Midwifery” and “Guide to Childbirth”. They were beautiful, and I cried often as I read the stories. I want to be Ina May. I want to be a midwife just like her. She is a true Earth Mother.

I distinctly remember the day that my epiphany came. I had been holidaying on the Gold Coast with my family. I was living in my bikini, yet always felt a little subconscious of my exposed body – as you do… I was reading on the deck one morning, I looked up, and saw a woman, in a bikini, playing in the water with her kids. She looked amazing. Not because she had a perfectly sculpted body, but because she clearly was relaxed/comfortable with/within her body. I couldn’t stop looking at her. I was in awe.

I thought to myself… “Good on her, I should be more like that.” And went back to reading my book. The first paragraph I read, after taking a moment and appreciating how perfect this other woman was and why, the paragraph said this: …..!!!!!

“Remember this, for it is as true as true gets; Your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine. The Creator is not a careless mechanic. Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body.”

BAM!  There it was. How can I possibly expect the women I am working with as a midwife, to embrace, trust, and think positive thoughts about their bodies if I can’t do the same for mine!!!  In order for me to be the best midwife I can be, I want women in my care to completely surrender their physical inhibitions with me. I want them to trust me, themselves AND their bodies. How can I do that if I don’t “love and trust” my own body. It has to start with me. BAM!

So, I made a promise to myself that very moment,  to explore what it means to appreciate, be grateful, trust, accept, embrace, enjoy and think positively about my body, so that I can create the ‘space’ for other women to do that too.  In my 15+ years as a Personal Trainer, I lived by the mantra “I don’t expect my clients to do something I’m not prepared to do – I lead by example”.  Why should midwifery be any different?!

Project Body Love has started for me. Every day, I find something about my body that I like – or that I am grateful for. Today I climbed 2800 stairs with a friend, and I am so grateful that my legs are, not only strong enough to do that, but that I HAVE legs! – sadly some don’t.   My legs allow me to walk and exercise.  Who cares if they have cellulite dimples and crinkly skin – they are my amazing legs that carry me though my days. Thank you legs – love you! It’s that simple. No need to find a fault in them that has to change… Just see what they do that is great, and stop the internal dialogue right there.

Other days, I love my arms and their ability to hug my children whenever I want. Sometimes, I really love my skin, and how cool and gently the breeze feels on it. Other days, all I can find, is how much I love the colour of my eyes, or that my fingernails are strong (better than nothing! hehe! )

Project Body Love is alive for me!  This elephant is being smothered in kisses, decorated with body paint, flowers, and jewels. I will take Ina May’s advice and I will “think positively about my body”. I will lead by example and I will encourage other women to do the same.

Give your body a ‘scan’, and find what you love about it, today, and love it! Just LOVE it! Our bodies ARE amazing!  #projectbodylove

Also….I have attached an elephant body that you can print out and decorate, and love! 🙂

Talk soon

Cherlisa xxoo