No. Period.

My therapist told me when you turn 40, things change. It's when "No." becomes a sentence in itself and there's no need for further explanation. 

I didn't get it. I mean, I "got it" but didn't feel it until it really happened.

I started to stop myself from trying to convince other people around me that what I was doing was okay or that they should understand. 

I started to really see how much I was trying to defend my own decisions.

Why I parent the way I do.

Why I work out the way I do.

Why I am eating this and not that.

Why I choose to distance myself from certain things or take space when I need.

Why I really make sure a client and I are a good match instead of just taking her on "for the money".

The list goes on forever and so does the wasted energy....energy that I always feel like I need more of yet am just throwing it away.

So, what does that have to do with lifestyle transformation and weight loss?

A whole damn lot. Workouts and nutrition are a huge part of the transformation, but if you aren't paying attention to the wiring up there, then you will continue to chase your own tail with diet after diet. Your approval and validation will be dependent on other people (who by the way have their own bucket of shit that they are lugging around so that jades a lot).

I work with clients on many levels and I will tell you that comments and behavior from people around you impact you more than you think. I mean, I still remember the kids in grade school that called me "Greek geek" and "dolphin" because of my forehead. 

You are human. You have your own little ecosystem and you are the boss. I always tell my clients "you know you the best" which is why your feedback is always important to me. I don't want you to just "follow the plan", I want you to understand it and be able to pivot when shit happens and I WANT YOU TO PAY ATTENTION TO YOU AND YOUR BODY. (See how I didn't ask about your mother in law's opinion or your husband's cranky comments?)

It's time to start doing what you want for you and not wasting a damn breath on defending yourself. You know you best. 

What do YOU want?

What do YOU feel?

How do YOU thrive?

There's your answer. Period.

Love,

T