How Losing Weight Supports Your Highest Purpose

Knowing that you are first and foremost spirit, and not your weight, can either serve you or work against you when it comes to weight control. You know that how you look (your outer shell) is not who you really are, and you might ask yourself,

“Why do I need to comply with society’s standards of beauty?”

Realizing that ultimately your true value is not dependent on the size of your body, you may overeat or eat unhealthy foods. At the same time, part of you knows that overeating and eating a lot of processed food is ultimately a self-destructive, spirit-harming behavior.

Your Body is Your Medium

Each of us has a unique purpose, and each of us needs to treat our body right so that it can carry out our earthly functions. You are being called to serve while here on Earth. When you approach your body from this perspective, you want to take care of it. Your body is your medium by which you perform your purpose, and taking care of your body is a way that you can show love to yourself. When you are filled with love, you are then able to share that love with others.

You have no limitations. If you believe in yourself and pursue your aims with a refusal to give up, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to achieving. But first you need a clear vision, a defined purpose. Beyond anything else, you need your own health and well-being. Your body must be fit and well so that you have the energy and ability to go about your life’s work.

Your Purpose Gives Life Real Meaning

When you live with purpose, your body’s appearance isn’t that important. You aren’t trying to achieve weight loss simply to look better. Rather, you pursue weight loss in order to engage fully in meaningful work or activities. Some people tell me their highest purpose is to be there for their loved ones, and a healthy, fit body is important to this end. Others want to serve the world through their creations, and they need the energy a thinner body brings in order to get up every day and carry on with vitality.

What is Your Purpose?

Over the next few days, ponder the answer to these questions:

• What is my highest purpose?
• How is having a fit, healthy body in line with my values?
• How will weight loss improve my life, as well as the lives of others?

Get really clear on these answers. Having a solid grasp of why weight loss matters to you will help you ward off times when you may want to give up. You will no longer ask yourself, “Why bother?” You will know that a healthy weight is vital to a rich, meaningful life.

Holly Alastra is a registered dietitian and licensed mental health counselor who has helped thousands of people lose weight over the past 20 years. She wishes you peace and joy with your body, the magnificent vessel of your spirit.