Prioritizing connections.

I wish we would stop prioritizing weightloss.

I do.

I wish we would stop complimenting others on losing weight, gaining muscle, getting shredded, looking sexy or "killing it".

I wish we would stop only seeing people for their efforts in their work.

I wish looks were not the vain of our existence - putting more emphasis on how we function, talk, walk and live.

I wish we focused on who people are, and how they communicate - versus the sole status of their physique.

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People are beautiful creatures, beyond their physical looks.

People have far more to offer, than a hot body, physical abilities, success in their job or athleticism.

You see, people don't just offer more than those things - they are more.

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I am currently staying in a Hostel in Australia (remember, I am a Canadian).

There is a wonderful, older woman here whom cleans the Hostel. She is a great "cleaner" here - a woman whom has worked at the Hostel for years! She knows the ins and outs, and really puts all her effort in ensuring the cleanliness of the Hostel is superior to others. She prides herself on She offers so much more than her physical abilities of cleaning.

This wonderful woman, gets really bad inflammation in her arms from a rare disease. Her arms literally triple in size, resulting in discomfort and heightened visibility.

It's funny though, I never noticed it until she pointed out how swollen and uncomfortable her arm was, today....months later.

I never realized because my conversations with this beautiful soul, were always SO much more than how she cleaned, or looked. They were about the connection we made. She is full of advice, knowledge and spunk. She is a caring, kind, generous and loving individual; someone I truly admire.

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I think we often forget that we are more than our jobs, careers, efforts and looks.

We are souls within these bodies and titles. We are people with genuine likes and dislikes, experiences, lessons and conversations. We are people who offer love and peace, as well as love and affection. We learn from one another through conversation and watching, and we embrace one another through creating genuine connections.

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I place a lot of emphasis on how I look, train and perform.

I fear being negatively judged by others, creating extreme chaos in my head. Obviously, none of which I want.

But I do, I care how others view me and I care about how I look. Not in a vain way of needing to be picture perfect all the time, but in a vain way of needing to be fit, athletic and healthy.

The thing I often forget is: most people don't stick around for how I look or perform. No, they stick around for my charisma, my personality and my spunk. People become friends with people because they bring more than a physical appearance or career success, to the table. They bring energy, love, light and great memories. They create deeper meaning and connections, in order to keep those friendships alive.

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People stick around because they enjoy your soul, not your body.

And I think it's time I remind both myself, and you of that.

You're more than a gym PR, weight on a scale, or employee.

You're so much deeper, and so much more.

Embrace your you-ness, regardless of the size of your body or efforts.

All my love,

xx

Dee