Dawn - "Hot like peppa!"

Today I met the most inspirational woman I have ever had the opportunity to interact with.

Meet Dawn - a fabulous, delightful, beautiful, energetic woman. All 400+ pounds of her. Dawn's spirit just lights up a room. Before meeting her, I had read about her weight management journey online, and as I entered her office, I was greeted by a huge smile and a warm "Hello!" While speaking with her, I felt so honoured to be in her company. I started to complain the day my weight went 1 pound over 140 pounds many years ago, and I haven't stopped complaining since.

"How awful!" I would lament as I stared in the mirror, turning left and right, hoping that I would see better images if I turned a little to the left or a little to the right. I hoped that if the sunlight hit me at the right angle when the planets were perfectly aligned, I would look like a 130 pound goddess. How vain!

Dawn explained how much she loves herself - her body, her mind, her essence. She is so in tune to who she is. Her presence and her aura touched me and I realised that a lot of us ought to take a page from Dawn's book. She makes no apologies for who she is, or how much she loves herself.

I almost keeled over laughing when Dawn described how she is dressed (or more accurately, not dressed) while at home in her own space - appreciating her nakedness, appreciating her beauty. Her affirmations in the morning are, "Girl yuh hot. Yuh hot like peppa!" ("Girl, you are hot. Hot like pepper").

Many persons struggle with self love and self acceptance. No matter who you are or what issues you are struggling with, resolve today that you will no longer underestimate the importance of self-acceptance, as it can end the emotional pain that you feel and will lead to the spiritual experience you want. You become whole; life becomes holistic. You experience oneness. And you no longer compulsively search for oneness in the external world. You love and accept yourself.

So I challenge you - right now - walk to your mirror, stare yourself in the face, and say, "Girl yuh hot. Yuh hot like peppa!"