Why We Don’t Need a New (or smaller) Version of You This New Year
by Gaby Olguin-Flores RDN, LD
In a world that develops so many biases based on appearance alone, we recognize the insidious promises of gaining “acceptance” through changing one’s body.
We recognize every person that walks through our doors has a long story that has made them the person they are. When establishing with a clinician, building rapport and trust is of utmost importance to feel as comfortable as one can be when processing uncomfortable beliefs, thoughts, and situations. Sessions can be centered on figuring out what needs are going unmet. Most of us tend to forget one need that is always underlining: Acceptance.
Figuring out how people define acceptance is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
What does authentic acceptance feel like?
How are experiences elevated when shared with people who accept us as we are?
Does authentic acceptance require changing your personality? Your body?
As another year ends, we at RoundTable Wellness want to leave you with a few reminders.
Other people’s perceptions and judgements about your body say everything about that person’s values and character and determines Nothing about you.
You get to determine what descriptors you are comfortable using to describe yourself and have people respect them.
Although the year is coming to a close, many companies and businesses do not follow the standard calendar for their fiscal year. Many fitness, wellness, and nutrition markets may expect to make most of their annual profits in the upcoming months. Consider how they use customer insecurities to make their profits.
Consumer Marketing Tip: Keep in mind how many of the benefits promised when using a product are subjective vs objective markers (examples of subjective markers can include: “increased energy”, “less bloating”, “better digestion”, “less adrenal or muscle fatigue”).
The word “Gain” is defined as to obtain or secure (something desired, favorable, or profitable). When we put the word “weight” directly before or after gain, our culture has marked that as a loss instead of something favorable or desirable. If you have gained weight this year, please consider everything else you may have gained alongside it (knowledge, new relationships, self-respect, new experiences, a new favorite show/song/podcast/food, ect). For more on this perspective, listen to Bri Campos’s Body Griever’s Podcast. I believe the specific episode that recognizes this is Grieving Clothes that No Longer Fit You circa 2021.
You do not need to reinvent yourself in the upcoming new year to be more palatable to others.
Perfection is a tool of the patriarchy. It is okay to get things wrong. It is our responsibility to stay educated.
We hope you can take time to look back on all you and your body survived and went through in 2023 using a lens of self-compassion.
