What Makes You Feel Strong?

Mindful readers share how they relate to their bodies and offer some sage advice.

Describe your relationship with your body. 

My relationship with my body has evolved over the years. I accept the changes such as wrinkles and gray hair more easily. I obsess less with the need to always “look” good and accept that I am fine at this moment. 
–Varsh D. (via email)

It makes me feel like I am home so I try to improve my conversations with my body every day. 
–Tanaya C. (via email)

I treat my body as my temple, careful to watch what I feed it, understanding that food is fuel. My body also signals using aches, pains, and sometimes inflammation when my mental health is struggling or when I am stressed.
–@sageholisticwellness

That shit is complicated.
–@healthyself.coach

What about your body do you find challenging?

I’m epileptic.
–@umbersperspective

Migraines.
–@msibrahim2020

Working on my self-esteem and letting go of fear.
–@rebuildingtracy

Weight.
–@terinaparmenter

What makes you feel strong?

My problem-solving skills.
–@littlebossvm

Movement.
–@msibrahim2020

My belief in myself!
–@everthrive

Feeling calm.
–@gratefulkev1964

The gym.
–@el_mundo_de_ruxi

What advice would you give to a friend who’s being hard on themselves?

You are loved and a gift to everyone the way you are.
–@littlebossvm

Every day is a new opportunity. Don’t beat yourself up! Celebrate the things you can do.
–@terinaparmenter

Find your wow.
–@everthrive

Go easy on yourself. Give yourself a break.
–@gratefulkev1964

I would point out all the things their body can do.
–@msibrahim2020

(All responses from Instagram unless otherwise stated.)