Imagine this: It’s a crisp winter’s day in Rome, Italy. The sun is shining brightly, casting a golden glow on the ancient cobblestone streets. The ruins of the past around you, mingling effortlessly with Renaissance buildings that whisper stories of a glorious history.
You step into a church and there it is—a breathtaking Caravaggio painting, almost overwhelming. The air is filled with the vibrant energy of Rome. The streets are less crowded in winter, but the city’s pulse is strong. Cars whiz by, honking, while the Tiber River glistens under the sun. The many domes on the skyline create a picturesque view you’ll never forget.
As you walk, you can hear the beautiful Italian language around you. Your guide, Damiano (hehe), leads the way, showing you the hidden treasures of the eternal city. The food! Oh, the food! Plates of pasta, pizza, artichokes, cicoria (favourite), cheese, prosciutto and freshly baked bread.
It’s truly la dolce vita—the sweet life.
How lucky I am to experience this. But something I am forever grateful for is to fully embrace the magic of Rome without the burden of stress about what I’m eating. No crazy workout regimes before the holiday, no anxious thoughts about needing to lose weight when I get home because I’ve binged.
This is what self-acceptance has done for me.
It has allowed me to savour these moments, to enjoy pasta, bread, and wine without anxiety or guilt.
It might sound small, but this shift has been a game-changer for my mental health. This is the power of combining exercise with self-acceptance.
It’s allowed me to fully participate in life.
What is your Rome?
Is it a wedding? A beach holiday, a high school reunion or perhaps it is your everyday?
Where do you feel this background of anxiety around food, exercise and body image?
For me, letting go of these thoughts has given me so much. And this is why we created MerryBody, to be a tool to help others do the same.
Our MerryBody program provides a holistic approach to health, blending fitness with a mindset of self-confidence and acceptance. It helps you feel strong, fit and flexible while reminding you that YOU ARE ENOUGH just as you are.
No more constant narratives about calories, weight and diet. Instead, it’s time to focus on moving with joy, it’s time to celebrate your body, and embrace the journey.
Acceptance isn’t about giving up or being complacent, it’s about shifting your mindset and striving towards your goals with a sense of joy and fulfilment.
This combination of movement and self-acceptance is transformational, but not in a loud, flashy way. It’s quiet and deep. Others might not notice right away, but you’ll feel it in your heart and it will ripple out, touching every aspect of your life.
Always merrymaking,
Emma (and Carla)
Ps. if you’d like to try a 7 day trial of MerryBody head on over here! We’d recommend starting off with a monthly membership, join the month and see if it is for you! There are no lock-ins or contracts.
