Listening to My Body Through Life’s Changes
For years, I ignored my body’s voice. I didn’t honor her needs or recognize her cues. Instead, I criticized her for reacting to certain foods, for bloating, for her natural rhythms. I silenced her, thinking I could outwork or outmaneuver her. But in doing so, I disconnected from a part of myself that was just as essential as my mind and soul.
When I left my career in dentistry to pursue a life of creativity, hospitality, and design, I thought I had finally made the boldest change of all. And in many ways, I had. I poured myself into new ventures, rediscovering my passions and building a life that felt more aligned with my values. But in the process, I overlooked something important: my body.
As I focused on personal and professional transformation, my body was there, quietly enduring the weight of change. She whispered when I needed rest, protested when I pushed too hard, and tried to guide me when I felt lost. I ignored her. I slouched to make myself smaller, to avoid being seen. I squeezed her into constrictive clothes, hid her curves, and criticized her imperfections.
Yet, she never gave up on me.
The Realization
It wasn’t until recently, during this whirlwind journey of self-discovery, that I realized how deeply I had neglected her. My body had been speaking to me all along—through the weight I gained during stressful times, through the exhaustion that demanded I slow down, and through the subtle aches that said, “I need your attention.”
Leaving behind the rigidity of my old life wasn’t just about changing careers. It was about redefining how I wanted to show up in the world—and that included my relationship with my body. I had embraced new ways of thinking, new passions, and new goals. Now, it was time to embrace her too.
A Partnership Renewed
Today, I see my body not as a limitation, but as a partner. I’ve begun to honor her cues, celebrate her curves, and listen to her needs. She has carried me through so much: long hours, big dreams, and moments of doubt. She’s my foundation.
In my new life, I’ve discovered the importance of movement, whether it’s through yoga in the morning, dancing under the stars, or walking into a room with my head held high. I no longer slouch to blend in—I stand tall because I’ve earned it.
This body of mine is sensual and strong, carefree and confident. She’s unapologetic in her beauty and resilience. She’s finally being seen, not just by the world, but by me.
The Journey Continues
As I’ve built a life that feels more authentic, I’ve realized how integral my body is to this transformation. She’s not perfect, but she doesn’t need to be. She is mine, and she is perfect for me today.
Embracing her is a part of embracing the life I’ve created—a life that celebrates connection, creativity, and the freedom to be fully myself. My body, my mind, and my soul are finally in harmony, and that feels like the most profound change of all.
This isn’t the end of the journey—it’s just the beginning. But for the first time, I feel like I’m walking through life with all of me present, aligned, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
And I’m never hiding her again.
