“The best thing to hold on to in life, is each other.”~ Audrey Hepburn.
It can be lonely, sometimes, for everybody.
Fitting in is so important for us, because an innate need to affiliate and form social bonds is wired into our biology, boosts oxytocin (the love hormone), positively impacts the cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and immune systems, and it can provide stress relief by lowering cortisol.
You may think fitting in boosts our self-esteem. To feel good enough to feel part of a particular group. But the efforts we make to fit in might contribute to low self-esteem and self-acceptance: in trying to be accepted by others we may not accept our authentic Self, we may focus on changing in order to fit in.
For example, we might try to change ourselves by adapting unhealthy habits. Or we may develop maladaptive coping strategies that will make us feel even worse about ourselves.
⭐️ Self-esteem includes how we value and respect ourselves as a whole.
It makes sense to want connection. But going to extreme lengths in our efforts to find those connections, can work against us.
✨ How have you tried to fit in with those around you?
✨ Is your Self-worth dependent on how you look?
✨ Is your happiness dependent on how attractive you feel?
✨ How have your behaviors related to your body image?
✨ What habits did you adopt that didn’t feel authentic?
✨ How have you tried to change your-Self?
✨ Have these changes affected your Self-esteem?
When it comes to health, eating habits, and physical appearance, there’s no one-size-fits-all, no best way across the board.
If you would like to work on your relationship to eating and to your-Self, I have created a safe space for you to express your emotions. Together, we will navigate your beliefs, embrace your imperfections (that’s your true beauty, your uniqueness!), and explore positive change as well as Self-acceptance.
Follow link in bio to learn more about my 12-session “Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching” program, it is offered in English y en Español.
You’ve got this —and I’ve gotcha ❤️
~ Luciana, xx.