Happy With Your Body
Confidence
With Your Body
Body
Confidence: How to like
what you see in the
mirror
From
childhood we are sold
on an ideal image of
beauty, one few of us
ever see reflected when
we look in the mirror.
This
article will show you
how you can look in
the mirror and despite
the ideal, see only
a beautiful you.
When
you look in the mirror,
what's the first thing
you notice, and how
does it make you feel?
If
you're like most people,
the first thing that
catches your eye is
probably your least
favorite asset. If so,
don't worry you're not
alone. Here's why.
Can
you guess how much money
is spent in just one
year by advertisers
to sell us on the concept
of the "ideal"
image of beauty?
Well,
I can't either but I
do know this-it's a
lot of money, certainly
somewhere in the billions
of dollars!
So,
technically, you can
consider yourself brainwashed.
From
your earliest childhood
days-whether you played
with GI Joe or Barbie-you've
been receiving constant,
consistent images telling
you what beauty is supposed
to look like.
Never
mind that these images
are for the most part,
anatomically impossible!
And,
would you really want
to look like Fabio anyway?
Or Pam Anderson? Honestly?
I'm
guessing probably not.
So,
here's how you can build
your confidence with
the body God gave you:
1.
Look in the mirror
2.
This time, really look
at yourself.
Reflect
on the compliments you
have received.
Do
people tell you how
great your hair is?
How
beautiful your eyes
are?
That
you have a nice smile?
Try to see what they
see.
3.
Stand far enough away
from the mirror so that
you can take it all
in. What do you see?
Find at least three
positive things.
4.
Now, get up close.
Really
close.
Look
at your eyes-the irises.
What
colour are they?
Are
they all one colour
or are there flecks
of various colours?
How
would you describe them
using positive analogies
or adjectives?
5.
Now, smile. What does
your smile convey? Warmth?
Happiness?
6.
Find at least three
characteristics you
like best about yourself,
and then accentuate
them as you dress to
go out.
If
you love your eyes,
make sure your hair
doesn't cover them up
Love your lips? Make
sure to keep them soft
and moisturized
Your hair? Get a flattering
cut and condition it
regularly to keep it
shiny and healthy
In short, amplify what
you like, and don't
worry about the parts
you don't.
Here
are some ways to do
just that:
Go
shopping and bring a
good friend. Ask them
to help you pick out
colours and clothes
they think flatter you.
Don't worry if your
first reaction is "that's
not me!" Experiment!
Feel better about whatever
it is you don't like
about yourself by picturing
the absolute worst-case
scenario. Exaggerate
whatever it is you're
hung up on and blow
it up in you mind until
it's comical. Then look
in the mirror-not so
bad anymore is it?
Accept yourself for
who you are, how you
look, and focus on what
really matters-the things
about you that can't
be seen-your heart,
mind and soul!
What
do you want people to
praise you for? Is it
really how you look?
Probably not. You probably
want people to think
you're funny, smart,
nice, or generous-something
along those lines right?
Make a list of your
positive personal qualities
and characteristics.
Then ask yourself, what's
more important? Get
involved in activities
that build on your personal
characteristics-volunteer,
join a club, take a
class to sharpen a talent.
These will help you
emphasize and focus
more on the more important
qualities that get you
through life successfully
and with more fun.
Live
life, love fully and
laugh often!
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