Today’s trying to be healthy Tuesday post is going to take a little different bent. Instead of focusing on specific food or exercise advice, I want to challenge you to think about something a bit more philosophical: What is your healthy identity?

Sometimes when we decide to make healthy changes, we feel that we must become like the trainer on tv, the organic lady next door, or the weight lifter at the gym. It is so easy to get caught up in trying to achieve what others have defined as healthy, that we can quickly lose sight of who we are uniquely created to be.

So often, I find myself striving to be this unrealistic version of the perfect person that lives in my head. She has it all together, doesn’t stress about anything, only eats whole foods, and is a yoga master. I find myself trying to do all things well, all the time, and the reality is, this is just not possible. Not only is it impossible, but attempting it makes you miserable.

Today, I am challenging myself by asking, what would the healthier version of me look like? I think part of the answer is that I would love myself in-spite of my imperfections. I also think I would find joy in my work and not allow myself to get so caught up in completing my to-do list. It is time to start loving being me, instead of always trying to imitate someone else’s picture of health and success. I am going to give myself time today to do a little soul nurturing, and if that means we eat pizza for dinner, then so be it :)

I hope this post encourages you to give yourself some grace today, and that it reminds you that part of being healthy is embracing your unique identity.