Perfectionism is a significant barrier to living authentically—particularly when you don’t consider yourself a perfectionist. Perfectionism isn’t necessarily about being perfect. Instead, many people use it as a tool to avoid difficult emotions. It’s also inextricably linked with our relationship with food, which we’ll discuss later in this episode.
Today’s guest is Katelyn Parsons. After a 15-year battle with disordered eating, food anxiety and body shame, Katelyn was finally in a space where she was able to make a change. Now, she works as a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Intuitive Eating Counselor and 200 RYT Yoga Instructor to help high-achieving women facing similar issues.
Three Pillars of Awareness
Before you can address an issue in your life, whether it relates to your body image or something else, you have to be aware of it. Of course, that’s easier said than done because everything in our lives is interconnected. This is reflected in the three pillars of awareness Katelyn discusses: the physical, the emotional and the mental.
It’s helpful to visualize them as labels on the points of a triangle. When you take one away, you lose the connection that creates a meaningful shape. Becoming aware of how physical sensations, emotions and thoughts combine to create your reality is the first step toward changing it.
Accepting Imperfection
Perfectionism is challenging to break up with. In some cases, you will try, only to fall into the trap of feeling like you have to be perfect at being imperfect. It’s incredibly frustrating, but it’s crucial to give yourself grace when something like that happens. Imperfection is a practice, and tolerating it is a mental muscle you have to train.
When it comes to body image, there’s been a recent push toward body positivity. That’s fantastic, and in a perfect world, we would all love our bodies. However, that’s not always feasible. That’s okay. Accepting the reality of your body—even if you don’t necessarily love it—is still valuable. This state is called body neutrality, and it’s an achievement.
If what Katelyn says today resonates with you, you can learn more by visiting her website. She has many great resources available no matter where you are in your journey with intuitive eating and reaching a healthy body image, including weekly emails, a free, downloadable guide and her weekly podcast.
Do you want to connect with Katelyn directly? If so, schedule a complimentary Body Trust Breakthrough Call with her today!