It felt odd to me when creating this graphic to put a Rumi quote on a photo of NYC streets. Rumi, to me, is the epitome of mindfulness. NYC city streets are anything but calm and peaceful. Then I realized, that’s the point. It’s a reminder that as an individual, I need to stay in the present moment and be mindful as I navigate my way through NYC – and my life.
I am going to print out this image and put it near my desk. It can stand as a reminder to me that I am unique. I’m fortunate to have a loving husband and wonderful family and friends who are always by my side. But only I can define who I am, who I want to be and how I’m going to make my dreams come true.
Creating your own path, the future you desire, is scary. Especially if you tell yourself that everything must work out exactly as planned and must be perfect! The truth, though, is that life isn’t perfect (but it can be “practically perfect” ~ and that’s awesome!).
As a New Yorker, crowded streets don’t scare me, and I don’t let them slow me down. I figure out ways to dodge the tourists who are so busy looking up at the tall buildings or pointing at a store across the street they have no idea that people are rushing around them in an effort to make it to their next appointment on time. Work has to get done 24/7 in the city that never sleeps! (And don’t get me started on the people with their headphones on and heads buried in the phones!)
Getting from Point A to Point B in New York City is about creating your own path. You can get caught in the flow of the mass of people, or you can figure out a way to get ahead of the pack and reach your destination on your terms. Sometimes it feels so easy, and other times it takes a bit more effort (and sweat – especially on a hot, humid day).
Often I hear similar sentiments from my clients about finding a nutrition plan that works for them. They ask me what is working for other clients and what I know about paleo, keto or whatever diet plan the media has proclaimed to be the “best” way to lose weight. I feel them stuck in the middle of the pack, wanting to be alongside the people who buy into the latest fad.
For emotional eaters, however, it’s not about finding the perfect diet or the best way to lose weight; that’s what the masses are doing. It is about discovering a love for themselves like no other and a yearning to be their best, in all aspects of their lives (not perfect, their best). From this foundation of self-love, an eating plan evolves that nourishes their mind, body and spirit.
Sometimes it is paleo; sometimes keto. More often than not, it’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It can be vegan, or vegetarian. It doesn’t matter what it’s called. What matters is that you are nurturing your uniqueness and walking confidently on your road to reach your goals.
