Feeling Very Optimistic About Our First Lady Michelle Obama

In March 2010, Michelle Obama was the cover story for Newsweek. The title read, “Feed Your Children Well. My Fight Against Childhood Obesity.”

While I am not in alignment with the use of the word “fight” – since any “fight” requires struggle, and my work encourages effortless and ease, I do think what First Lady Obama is up to is brilliant.

We need her on our side, and she has answered that call.

The movement that came from First Lady Obama’s platform is called letsmove.gov. As I always say, “a river flows,” so struggling is optional. Since our bodies require movement and flow, letsmove.gov flows and moves me to speak up louder and prouder about my cause (which is in strong alignment with the First Lady’s message).

Letsmove.gov was created to inspire families to make manageable changes that fit into their schedules, budgets and needs. One of the many things it does is supports parents with tools so they can lead kids away from processed foods back into real whole foods.

People ask me all the time why I do not work with children and teens, to which I reply, “I cannot be all things to all people. While I care about teens and childhood obesity, my work comes through their parents – who are often my clients”. I work with the children indirectly because I support the mothers to lead these children closer to good habits. Once a mother begins to make internal shifts and changes from the inside out, they naturally lead thier children into choosing and living differently as well.

Moms often share with me that they are concerned about how self-critical their children are of their bodies, without a real need to be. For example, the child might say at 10 years old that they want to diet, never feel good enough, skinnny enough, etc.. I also hear from Moms who are concerned about their child’s size, but who feel powerless over what to do about it.  They will say, “What do I say to not shame them?”

My first question back to them is always, “How do you speak about your body in front of your children?” That is usually when the truth is revealed. Often they have a big aha moment, like, “Oh I get it, my negative self-talk teaches them what to do.”

Yes it does.

Moms I urge you to be more aware of how you speak to yourself in front of your children. Your words matter – A LOT. Your actions matter also. If you are binging or overeating and telling your kids to eat better, they are getting confusing mixed messages.

1 out of 6 children in America are obese and experiencing physical ailments comparable to adults. I care about this deeply.

The time has come to wake up, get our heads out of the sand and show up first for ourselves – leading a healthier life and loving our bodies – and in turn, we will have a powerful impact on our children.

That is a promise, and promises do come true.

Some immediate actions to take now.

1. Begin to notice your self-talk, and as you notice it, allow the nasty voice to share, when it does, however, do not collude with it, just let it be. Your wise healthy adult can treat it like she would a mad child. You may want to thank that voice for sharing and counteract it with a loving thought like, “I am whole and perfect as I am right now, and I feel committed to changing my habits and behaviors, one (pinky) step at a time. Pinky’s are the smallest fingers, so the action steps must be small. However, consistence is key.

2. Please go to letsmove.gov which is filled with content on ways you can assist your children to get better nutrition NOW.

3. Set up a 15 minute complimentary appointment with me to discuss your resistance to doing any of this. I welcome hearing from you TODAY.  Remember, the time to change is always RIGHT NOW.  Laura@OnePinky.com

Remember a river flows. So all action is a great start.