As someone with a chronic illness and has experienced similar feelings, I totally understand how difficult accepting and moving forward with a diagnosis can be. It's draining, it's a relief, it's validating, it's confusing, it's upsetting and more - all at the same time. It's a lot to cope with. I would like to say first and foremost - there is nothing wrong with you. I know it can be really tough to think that right now, but all bodies are worthy. And you are exceptionally strong to endure everything you've had to, to get to the point of a diagnosis. I know how utterly exhausting it can be to get there.

Coming to terms with your diagnosis isn't easy and unfortunately there isn't any quick fix. But I think concentrating on what your body can do is a good place to start. Take some time to assess what your needs really are, and figure out ways to do things you love, that works for your body. Take things gradually, build up slowly, and rest! Rest is so, so important. Chat to your GP about how they can support you, look into talking to a therapist who can guide you through this time (and beyond) and give your friends/family a heads up on how you would like them to support you too.

"Take some time to assess what your needs really are, and figure out ways to do things you love, that works for your body." 

I love this! 

I think a lot of the time we're so used to doing things the way able bodied people do, just because that's the way we've always been expected to do it. Even when it can be a struggle for us/make us feel bad/just not work at all for us. So it's a really good exercise to dismantle that a bit and properly understand what really works for us.

I relate to that! 

It can feel like a long process of unlearning what our bodies "should do" vs what they can do comfortably.

Personally, I'm not really a fan of the word 'healthy'. It assumes there's a 'right' and a 'wrong' way to feel about your body, and at the end of the day, it's your body and you can feel however you want about it 😊 But the benefits of accepting your body the way that it is - there's benefits all round.

As I've already mentioned, feeling comfortable in your body is a journey, and not something that happens overnight. Especially if your body isn't openly accepted by society (even though it definitely should!). But by working on how you view your body, it can do wonders for your self-worth, your self-confidence & your overall mental health. It can potentially help with social anxiety, eating disorders, certain intrusive thoughts and just your ability to enjoy being you.

I'm so glad you called that out! Moving away from the shame/guilt associated with body image asks us to change our language. 

Feeling comfortable is a good goal to have, and as you said it's okay if that takes time. 

I've been supporting people with their bodies for over 8 years now 🙂 In that time I've had clients from 8 years to 90 years old, with all different disabilities, chronic illnesses & mental health concerns, with all different sized bodies and all different views on how their bodies 'should' look. 

As a personal trainer, I've seen the VERY toxic and harmful side of fitness that unfortunately is still the norm for a lot of gyms and studios. I wanted to change that and created spaces where people could move their bodies safely, without judgement or pressure, and in ways that actually worked for them. I'm all about supporting people to move without focusing on what their body looks like, only focusing on what FEELS good 🙂

I like what you said about focusing on what feels good. Tapping into that is a powerful way of reframing your relationship with your body. 

It must be rewarding to play that role in people's experience of making friends with their bodies!! 

Definitely! It can take some work to change your mindset, it's something that takes time. But a really positive way to work towards accepting your body and being pals with it! 

It's SO rewarding. I really appreciate the trust my clients put in me to support them along their movement journey, and so amazing to see them realising just how great their bodies are!

I can imagine! It can be scary to move and be in your body, so I bet your clients really do have to be vulnerable and trust you with that process. 

Totally. It's so important for me to make my clients as comfortable as possible, especially when most people are used to scary, shouty personal trainers! I'm the complete opposite of that 😂

Last thing you want is to be shouted at when you're out of your comfort zone lol 

Right?! The whole shouting at people to make them feel bad thing is just really gross. Much better to give praise, encourage rest and modify how to do a movement that works for each unique person. Moving your body should be a fun time, not a traumatic one! 😬

Thanks @Bre-RO 😊

I'm really looking forward to chatting about this and answering everyone's questions! 

Just wanted to firstly give a quick TW as I know talking about body image can bring up some topics that might be triggering to some of the community. So keep yourself safe and bring on the questions!