#realtalk ep.2: Find Your Reflection
{caution: long rant here. Story takes place 8 months ago}
“Janessa, do I really have to do before and after shots?” “Without a doubt”, I replied.
Begrudgingly she complied, stripping down to bare clothes, awkwardly staring at herself in the mirror. Contorting her body to hide the imperfections derived from poor lifestyle choices of yesteryears.
The mirror is unforgiving; and its apparent in my client’s uncomfortable stance. She can’t escape the truth reflected in the mirror.
She’s brave; most don’t have the courage to stand naked in front of another; let alone pay someone else to scrutinize progress. But all of us have someone in our lives that can be an indicator on how well or not well we are living.
Your Significant Other.
Take a look at them. Really ask yourself if they are a good representation of you, your personal brand & lifestyle. I’m not talking socioeconomic status; I’m talking about the core of a being. If the brand name of their clothes and car didn’t matter, would you still f*ck with them? #realtalk
Would they want & be willing to advance you as much as they desire to themselves? Or are they just dead weight succumbing you to settle?
“Danielle, who knows that you are trying to lose 40 lbs by next September?”
Just as I suspected- no one! Come to find out he’s counterproductive: “forcing” her to finish her plate, loading the cupboards with junk food, filling their weekends with overly sweetened alcohol concoctions and nutrient-less meals.
“Is that the support you want in life, in general?” o.o After moments of silent pondering, “no.”
“if you were to be judged using him as your reflection, would he measure up?” Dismayed, “no.”
Fast forward to March 2011, I open my email to find this:
Hey Janessa,
Hope this message reaches you in good health…. It’s been a while since we spoke and I was curious if you were doing your bootcamps this summer.
Since last, I’ve lost 23 lbs and ironically I haven’t done a thing regarding diet and exercise, but I did change one thing-my reflection.
The “change” has left me flabby and inflexible and I saw your FB photos (damn girl) so I knew it was time to tighten up. That way this year, the new me can find a better look in the mirror ;)
I didn’t get it at the time but now I do.
Grateful,
Danielle
Lesson Learned: find your reflection; one that understands who you are and where you want to be. Radiate the light that you want in your life from inside out. Surely, your mirror will reflect that brightness back; piercing the shadow like a comet on a moonlit night. Sappy but true.
j
