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The worst years always started with a declaration.

“I’m being healthy this year.”

“I’m doing a keto Thanksgiving.”

“I’m not eating the leftovers.”

In the days before Thanksgiving, I usually passed the test. I tiptoed around meals, wore sweat as my burned-a-lot-of-calories badge of honor, and avoided sugary breakfasts and the countertop nuts.

But on that fourth Thursday, after just one cranberry marg, I was spiked with scarcity. My struggling self control took the reins.

I ate and ate until even my leggings squeezed me too tight. And then I ate ice cream and two kinds of pie.

I wasn’t “healthy,” like I planned, and I certainly wasn’t keto.

It’s just one day, I’ll get back on track tomorrow. It’s just one day, I’ll get back on track tomorrow. It’s just one day, I’ll get back on track tomorrow. It’s just one day, I’ll get back on track tomorrow. It’s just one day, I’ll get back on track tomorrow. It’s just one day, I’ll get back on track tomorrow.

Like a song stuck on shuffle, it looped over again in my head.

But the days went on and that justification fled faster than the ones that came before it. My one day free-for-all didn’t come to an end.

I had pie for breakfast, leftovers for days, and an endless helping of shame.

***

These days, I’ve disowned that way of thinking and I’ve abandoned my extreme ideals. I practice gratitude, abundance, and self compassion instead.

I soak up my time with family and friends over the holidays, and I savor the food and sweets that I’m so lucky to enjoy.

I remember that I can always have more, that there will always be more, and I bask in it with permission to prevent a months-long binge.

I recognize that I will most likely eat the leftovers, sometimes even pie for breakfast, but I get back to my normal meals and ways of eating, too.

I forgive myself when I mess up, or when I swing too far in either direction (there’s a fine line between having and losing all self control), and I move forward without regret.

I keep journaling, walking, hydrating, and I get back to the gym when I have the time. Even over the holidays, my habits and practices are always close by.

***

For years, my all-or-nothing mindset was my Holiday tradition.

Guilt, punishment, scarcity and fear were the name of the game, and I was always down zero to one.

But with a new mindset, new behaviors, and years of practicing self love and respect, I’m back to taking the lead. You can, too.

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your daily pick me up

Take a few minutes to journal through things you give yourself permission to do, enjoy, or eat today. Here are some examples:

I give myself permission to eat breakfast and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. I give myself permission to eat the pie. I give myself permission to stop eating when I feel full. I give myself permission to have seconds if I please. I give myself permission to chew and savor every bite. I give myself permission to be present and enjoy this day, this food, with family and friends.

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Repeat after me...

Say this affirmation out loud in the mirror 10 times every day. Write it in your journal over and over. Visualize it before bed. Feel it. Believe it.

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What I’m loving

My new 5 day Stop Starting Over Challenge, I'm so happy you joined!

No matter where you are in the challenge, think about what you need for yourself today. Do you need a workout? Do you need a walk? Do you need to just complete the journal prompt and daily win and move on to the rest of your day? Hone in on what you need and what you may have time for, and do what you can to get back to things tomorrow.

I'm about to journal, complete my daily win, go on a walk, and then get in a quick bodyweight workout if I have time. If I don't, I'll pick right back up where I left off tomorrow. Simple as that!

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To those of you that are celebrating, Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time with family or friends, savor all the yummy food, remember there will always be more, and give yourself freedom, love and compassion.

I'm so thankful you're here.

💕 Morgan

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