Do you remember what it was like to be a baby?
Probably not, most of us don’t recall those early years. And yet, they were some of the most crucial moments of our lives. As babies, we were pure, full of potential, and deeply connected to our needs. Babies are universally adored, wouldn’t you agree? They express their emotions freely. When they are hungry, they cry. When they want to be held, they reach out. When they are uncomfortable, they make it known. And the world responds with love and care.
The Shift from Unconditional Love to Conditioned Expectations
As we grow, we are gradually shaped by the world around us. We start to hear rules and restrictions:
Do this, don’t do that.
Be good, be quiet, don’t ask for too much.
You should act this way, look that way, be different.
Over time, we learn that expressing our needs might not always be welcomed. We begin to suppress them. Some of this conditioning helps us navigate life, but some of it harms us, especially when it teaches us to ignore or judge our natural desires and emotions.
For those struggling with eating distress, whether emotional eating, undereating, or restrictive behaviours, this unhelpful conditioning plays a major role. Many of us have internalized harmful beliefs about food, our bodies, and our self-worth. We have forgotten the simple truth we knew as babies:
We are worthy of care. We are worthy of love. We deserve to have our needs met.
This exercise has helped many people reconnect with their core self, the part of them that still deserves love and kindness.
Look for a picture of yourself as a baby, one where you look happy, peaceful, or simply you. Choose an image that resonates with you emotionally. Make sure you keep it close. Place this photo somewhere you will see it often:
✅ In your wallet or purse
✅ Inside your notebook or journal
✅ As the wallpaper on your phone
✅ On your mirror or bedside table
Reflect and Reconnect
Each time you see the photo, pause for a moment. Look at that baby and remind yourself that this is You. Take a deep breath and repeat several times to yourself:
✨ I am still that person.
✨ I still deserve love and care.
✨ I am worthy, just as I am.
Many people with eating distress have an inner voice that is critical and unkind. When you hear that voice, imagine speaking to the baby in your photo. Would you tell that innocent child they are not good enough? Would you shame them?
Instead, replace the harsh inner voice with words of kindness:
I deserve nourishment and care.
I am not defined by my struggles.
I am learning, growing, and healing.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed, tempted to engage in destructive behaviours, or trapped in negative thoughts, take out your baby photo. Look into those little eyes. Remind yourself:
This person is Me and he/she deserves love, patience, and respect.
This simple yet powerful exercise works because it helps rewire the way you see yourself. Instead of viewing yourself through a lens of criticism, guilt, or shame, you reconnect with the core of who you are, someone who has always been worthy of love and care.
Healing from eating distress isn’t about willpower, it’s about self-compassion. The more you practice this exercise, the more you will soften the harsh inner dialogue and embrace yourself with the kindness you’ve always deserved.
You are still that precious baby. You are still worthy of love. And you deserve to heal.
✨Be gentle with yourself. You are worth it.✨
