Shedding the Baggage

10/11/2006

We all have goblins in our souls, acknowledged or, usually, unconscious. One of mine was the little devil that kept telling me I was fat, as though it was a law of the universe. Other people could be thin or could become thin if they were fat, but not me. I was fat. I had to be fat; that was the way of the world. Of course I knew he was lying, but I submitted to his law nonetheless. Intellectually, I rejected him with contempt; in actual fact, I succumbed.

Isn’t it strange? One of the things I have discovered through life coaching is that I was at war with myself. I have identified goblins, given them names and personal histories, and then done battle with them. The most extraordinary thing happened. One or two of my goblins turned into useful imps when I allowed them to fight for me instead of against me.

People have a natural drive towards health, mental and physical, and our goblins can be integrated into a happier personality. Sometimes my goblins rebel and misbehave again, in which case they have to be caught out and reined in, but mostly they also just want me to be thinner these days. It’s wonderful!

So, as I have shed my emotional baggage, I’ve been able to shed my physical baggage too. The overhang on my tummy was the equivalent of an emotional hangover in my psyche, a trap I’d made for myself. As long as the delusions clung to my self-image, the weight clung to my thighs. There was a kind of honesty in it. I was fat because I was weighed down within by unnecessary fears and delusions. Shed the inner baggage and something clicks and allows you to shed the physical baggage too.

Sumitted by Melanie Steyn, celebtated and approved writer for kimknightcoaching & an author in her own right.