Welcome 2020

This time of the year we see a lot of #NewYearNewMe, most of them focusing on weight loss and dieting.

If you've always set such goals for your New Year's resolution, have a re-think.

Set values-based goals for your New Year's resolution

Values-based goals are more powerful and sustainable than weight-goals.

Diets don't work

If diets worked and manipulating your body was comfortable for you, then why do you end up setting the same goal every single year?

The reason why dieting is common all your round is because it causes weight cycling (aka rebound).

Reflect on your thoughts and beliefs about weight

Do something different this year.

Reflect on your own thoughts and beliefs around weight and sizes.

How do you treat people with different body sizes?

How do you treat yourself when you are lighter vs heavier?

What message are you conveying when you say, "I'm so fat", when in fact you're at a socially normal size? How would a person in a larger body feel if those words came from you?

Your values as a person

Think of the values you want to nurture within yourself, rather than manipulating your body only to fit into the superficial beauty ideal.

If this is the first time for you to think abobut values, here are some ideas to start you off.

• Acceptance

• Authenticity

• Caring

• Commitment

• Compassion

• Creativity

• Curiosity

• Growth

• Empathy

• Family

• Friendships

• Fun

• Independence

• Kindness

• Learning

• Love

• Open-mindedness

• Passion

• Proactivity

• Reliability

• Resilience

• Well-being

Pick everything that you resonate with.

Then rank in order or priority.

Pick the top three.

Now, think ways in which you will nurture and develop those values throughout the year.

Your values are unique to you, and that's what shapes you as a dancer, an artist, and a human being.

You are more than your weight.

Don't let your weight or size define you.

Supporting each other through this difficult time

For many here in Australia, the start of 2020 hasn't been the most celebratory one.

We entered the year with a state of emergency declaration.

Bushfires continue to affect thousands of people, home and wildlife.

Now is the time to extend support to the people around you and get through this together.

In times of such traumatic disaster, we realise how superficial it is to spend day to day holding discriminatory beliefs such as that against people's weight and sizes.

Because we do realise, in times like these, that people's weight and sizes don't matter. That it has nothing to do with their worth.

We have been donating our profits to various organisations that provide help and support to those affected by the bushfires.

It breaks our heart to see the beautiful country burning down in flames.

If you have the capacity to help, we'd greatly appreciate the support.

These are some organisations that are currently accepting donations:

• NSW Rural Fire Service

• VIC Country Fire Authority

• GIVIT

• WIRES (NSW Wildlife information, rescue and education service)

• The Port Macquarie Koala HOspital

• National Homeless collective

• St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal

• Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief

• Salvation Army Disaster Appeal

Sending prayers and support to everyone who has been impacted.

Fumi x