Here are some things to help you appreciate
all that is -- you ! (Yay you!)
1. Think About What You're Missing
Consider this: What do you miss out on when
you don't accept your body and treat it well? What has
it cost you so far? Aside from the physical and mental
health risks, think about all the things you refrain from
doing, trying, being . Think about
all the people you don't meet, the cool things you never experience,
when you let a pesky negative body image stand in your way.
2. Make a List of People You Admire
Who rates high in your book? Who do you think
is cool? What do you think are the most important traits a
person can have? List who you admire, or people you recognize
as having made a difference in your life, or in the world.
Are they all supermodels? (I bet they're not.) Likely your
list is chock full of smart, kind, creative, inventive, funny,
talented, self-confident people. And hey, aren't you
a couple of those things yourself? (And if self-confident
isn't one of them, why not start today?)
3. Stop Talking About Your Weight
(or your hair, face, whatever)
Every time you disparage yourself somebody
is listening. Literally, your body 'hears' what you say and
your negative feelings are reinforced and further internalized.
So knock it off won'tcha? Because you're hurting the one you
love – you .
4. Don't Believe the Hype!
Remember: The objective of the fashion, cosmetic,
diet, fitness and plastic surgery industries is not to inform,
serve, guide or help you. It is to make money. And how do
they make their gazillions of dollars? By suggesting that
you need to be different, and that you need to spend money
to get that way. Think about it: Their very existence is predicated
on you not liking you the way you are. Remember: You're the
boss of you. Don't define yourself by arbitrary, external
dictates. Instead, work on developing your own style. Have
fun. Wear something weird. Or don't. Do what feels right,
and you won't go wrong.
5. Concentrate on Things You Do Well
Why focus on what you don't like when you
could just as easily focus on what you do
like? Keep busy; there's nothing like talking with a friend
or playing a vigorous game of volleyball to make you forget
about your silly ole appearance. Change your focus, and you'll
soon see a change in how you feel.
6. Get Physical for Fun
Your mood and your body both benefit from
exercise. Take walks, dance around your room, plant a garden,
jog. Or challenge yourself with team sports, snow boarding,
surfing or mountain-biking. Just remember that moving is great
for your heart, lungs, muscles and your mind. You gain so
much; it's not just about losing weight.
7. Think of Yourself as a Role Model
Think people are watching you? You're right.
Your little brothers, sister, cousins, the kids you baby-sit
for, your neighbors – they all look to you for guidance
and inspiration. Show them they can be confident and self-loving
by being that way yourself.
8. Love It -- It's Yours
Your body is constantly doing all these great
things for you (it pretty much gets you where you want to
go), why dis it? Think of it this way: If you bought a cute
puppy, and then one day he didn't look the same anymore (puppies
have a way of doing that) would you get rid of him? Would
you love him any less? Of course not – you love that
dog – unconditionally. Why not show yourself the same
consideration you'd show a dog!
REMEMBER: Healthy, strong
– and yes, beautiful – bodies come in all shapes,
sizes, and types. No matter who you are, your body can be
one too.
