No Change Without Challenge

How Embracing Discomfort Can Lead to Monumental Change

The first half of 2020 has been full of huge events that we simply could not have predicted. In the last few months, we’ve been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, and a struggling economy. Now, at almost the exact halfway point in the year, the United States is seeing massive Black Lives Matter protests in almost every state. To say this season in our lifetimes is unprecedented is putting it lightly.

If you follow along with me on social media, you likely know that I have taken a strong anti-racist stance, both personally and in my business. Today, I’m going to continue that conversation and talk a little bit about how being anti-racist and fighting against systemic oppression coincides with living a healthy life.

How Does Being Anti-Racist Relate to Making Healthy Choices?

When you’re first starting out in your healthy living journey, one of the most important things to remember is that changing your habits is inevitably going to be a little bit uncomfortable. You have to learn to approach your food, your fitness, and your whole lifestyle a little differently. There will be times when you feel tired, overwhelmed or a little burnt out—and during those times, you’ll have to push through your discomfort if you want to see tangible, positive, permanent change.

This same sentiment is true of committing to being staunchly anti-racist. When you’re pushing back against systemic issues, there will be lots of times when you feel uncomfortable. I certainly have. But frankly, if you’re comfortable, you’re probably doing it wrong. 

Change in your health and change in the world at large starts by saying, “I’m okay with facing some discomfort if it results in positive, permanent change.” The resilience you learn as you practice eating, moving, and recharging in my programs follows you into every aspect of your life, and our current events are a great example of that.

How Can I Take a Healthy Approach to Ending Racism?

Again: You might be surprised how well your healthy living habits carry over into something as monumental as fighting against racism. Both start with self-reflection. What are your values? Why is making this change important enough to fight through the challenging moments?

The next step is being the best version of yourself. In health and in social justice advocacy, it can be easy to feel like you aren’t doing enough when you compare yourself with others. Start by recognizing your own issues and working through those. Listen to the Black people in your community or in your online space. Hear them. Educate yourself. Work on being the best YOU and the best ALLY you possibly can be.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

We like to throw around the phrase, “Self care isn’t selfish,” but in times like these, it’s even more important to remember that you MUST pause to take care of yourself mentally and physically. If you’re running on empty, you won’t have the strength and the energy required to help others. 

So yes—I hope you will take a firm anti-racist stance in your life. Be prepared to experience extended discomfort as you help to make the world a more equitable place. And also: Stay hydrated, eat well, rest when you can, and prioritize moments of joy in your life. 

If you’re feeling frayed at your edges and you need some help figuring out how to manage your stress without compromising your goals, I hope you’ll join me for a special webinar with Mentor Joyce Rojas. On June 23 at 8 pm, Joyce and I will join forces for this free virtual talk, “Reducing Stress in Health & Wealth: 6 Tips to Calmness.” Sign up here if you’d like to attend!