Since getting healthy requires a mind shift and an identity shift, I’ve included a manifesto, an affirmation, a “spell” if you like, to help you change your mind

“free your mind and your [gluteal assembly] will follow”

-George Clinton

Read aloud and/or as needed

___ ___ ___

“From now on I will identify as a healthy person. 

I am healthy. 

I understand that my mind can guide my behaviors. 

I understand that there is no line to cross where magically i will be healthy enough to be called healthy, and that health is largely correlated to dedication, persistence, patience and not giving up, and occasionally making mistakes

I’m ok not being perfect, or executing healthy plans perfectly

Sometimes I’ll have to be firm, sometimes I’ll have to be yielding, sometimes full, sometimes empty.

I will forgive myself and others on this voyage

I will try new things

I will keep what works, reject what is useless and add what is uniquely my own to my healthy plan.

I will seek to understand compassion, and how to give it to myself and the world.  

I will do at least one thing every day to forward my health

I will let go of self loathing

I will start over, often - If I fall off “the wagon,” I’ll get back on and try again

I will be healthy. 

I understand that I will feel pain and discomfort, probably every single day, and that is part of life, and that the goal is to reduce pain and suffering in my life and the lives of those around me. 

Health is a never ending progression, and I understand that it will be constantly evolving.

I am healthy and I’m getting healthy.”

Salud.