I’d like to take a moment here to talk about “transformation” and what this word means to me. The physical elements of change are the most visible to others. For example, the fact that I have lost 114 pounds is quite evident. My face has changed. My body has changed. There is so much more to this though. In order for me to change my body, I first had to change my mind. I needed to grieve and release my past trauma. I needed to come from a place of self love instead of pushing myself to betterment because I hated who I was. This was the first shift: deciding to love myself unapologetically. I can remember the specific day this happened. I was up at the lake in Wakefield, going kayaking and decided to kayak in a sports bra. Sounds like a small act, but for me, this was a move towards empowerment. It was a demonstration that I would love my body as it is; knowing that my mind will do it’s best to take care of my body from here on out, as my body took care of me when my mind was unable to do so. I dismissed thought patterns which no longer served me such as perfectionism and self-punishment. I released myself from generational curses of which I was indoctrinated into long before I could think for myself. I constructed new, healthy thought patterns and focused on what I wanted to pursue. These concepts required daily action and intention. Through this process, I re-found myself and my voice. I began to love music and art again. My vitality returned, and I rediscovered my zeal for life. This still requires daily action and intention – it is a constant battle to maintain the awareness and refuse to engage with old patterns. If this is a journey that you are taking on, I am so proud of you, and I support you. Reach out to those who you connect with, who inspire you and ask them questions. No, their story is not yours, but maybe they have a lesson or two which will help you along the way. Start today and stop re-punishing yourself for your past. Focus forward, for that is the way which you are going.
AJ Butler Wellness 