Acknowledging Insecurities and Learning to Accept Your Body

A few weeks ago I received an unexpected call from my rheumatologist on a Saturday. Turns out, they needed one more patient model for a Rheumatology musculoskeletal ultrasound workshop the following day. Intrigued, I agreed to do it. But I certainly didn’t anticipate that it would be an emotional experience and an opportunity to face my relationship with my hands.

I've had the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis for almost 25 years. Due to the disease, I have joint damage and limited range of motion, specifically in my hands, elbows, and wrists.

At the workshop, I watched as the doctors examined and discussed my joints while viewing the ultrasound images of my hands and wrists. While I love my body, seeing the images stirred up thoughts and insecurities about the joint damage and specifically how my hands look. 

During the breaks, I chatted with the lovely presenting rheumatologist that was assigned to my group. As we talked about my RA journey, she acknowledged how accepting I am of my body. I agreed with her, and I also admitted to myself that actually, in a way I do accept my hands and in a way I don’t.

The experience that day encouraged me to consider the complex and ongoing nature of body acceptance that many of us struggle with. 

Through my personal journey and work with clients, I’ve discovered that acceptance grows through small daily practices of self-compassion -- sometimes just 60 seconds of intentional kindness toward the parts of ourselves we struggle most to embrace.

Where in your relationship with your body do you seek deeper acceptance? What might change if you offered that part just one minute of loving attention each day? Remember, progress over perfection is key in this lifelong journey of self-compassion. 

And on that note, let’s work together.

I am excited to share that I am now offering a new way to work with me 1:1 for anti-inflammatory nutrition and health coaching. 

Email me at info@thewellnessheadquarters for more info.

Love, Your Wellness Coach,

Alyssa

P.S. Listen to the podcast, "Acknowledging Insecurities and Learning to Accept Your Body."

April 16, 2025