Today, try subtraction...

Hello friends, and new friends. It’s mid-Jan, and I’m finally starting to get into my plans for the new year. But this year, I’m trying something different.

Subtraction.

Instead of adding in resolutions of things to do, I’m taking away a few things — not in a New Year’s Resolution sort of way, but in a ‘I don’t need that anymore’ way.

I’m not sure what your list would be, but here’s what I’m subtracting. I’ll start with the small and obvious things, but there’s a big one at the end. Ready?

  • Shoes that don’t fit. You know the ones — the ones that pinch, or are really too high, or don’t feel like they should and are a mistake.

  • Half the junk in the junk drawer. Old rubber bands, unused kitchen tools, nearly empty rolls of tape, etc, etc, etc.

  • Cloth napkins I don’t love and stained dish towels.

  • Workout clothes I never wear, old and saggy t-shirts, tired pyjamas.

  • And on it goes, all through our home…

But there’s one huge thing I’m subtracting, and it’s insidious and tough to do because we’ve been so socialised as women to criticise ourselves. I was inspired by a podcaster I listened to this week.

She decided to stop saying anything mean about her own body. Ever.

No condemning the usual (tummy, face, wrinkles) or the sneaky thoughts we have (arthritic shoulders, an old running injury, feet that hurt).

Can you imagine your life if you subtracted all the negative thoughts you had about your own body, the body that’s trying so hard to serve you?

Here’s a useful re-direct. When a negative thought comes up, tell yourself this:

Then keep going. In time, it gets easier to redirect our thoughts to something more useful.

For me, making peace with all the parts of myself is important, and 2023 is the year I’m going to start with the body that’s done so well in serving me and getting me where I need to go.

Enjoy your beautiful weekend, everyone. I hope something lovely happens to you today.

Love Catherine x

PS. The fun stuff!