Before
you look in the mirror, think optimistically. When you
start your day, decide how you are feeling before
going to the mirror. Remind yourself that it's okay to
like and appreciate what you see, no matter what size you are.
Wear
clothes you feel comfortable in. Don't hold off on buying
stylish clothes that you like -- do it now! Dress to express yourself,
not to impress others. You should feel good in what you wear.
Avoid clothes that are too baggy, too tight, or restrict movement.
Stay
away from the scale -- as a matter of fact, get rid of
it! If your weight needs to be monitored, leave that up to the
doctors. How much you weigh should never affect your self-esteem
or your sense of who you are.
Make
a "why I like myself" list. Think of all the
things you like about yourself-- are you honest, creative, intelligent,
compassionate, loyal, or kind? Think of all the reasons you deserve
to love yourself and write them down. Hang the list up next to
the mirror as a reminder that those things are what make you truly
beautiful.
Take
the time to do nice things for your body. One a month
get a massage,
a manicure, or a facial. Pamper yourself to long hot baths by
candlelight. Take naps when you need to, just because you can!
Take
risks to challenge yourself. Think of things you normally
wouldn't do and try them: leave the house without makeup, get
a wild new haircut, or spend all day in your pajamas. The point
is that your makeup, hair and clothes do not
make you who you are!
Stay
active. Movement helps improve everyone's sense of being.
Take up Yoga or Tai' Chi. Join a Karate class. Take a thirty-minute
walk three days a week. Get outside and play volleyball with the
kids or go roller skating in the park with your friends. Take
a leisurely bike ride at sunrise. Make angels in the snow and
sandcastles at the beach. Be active and enjoy life!
Go
places you'd never go alone. Ever go to a movie by yourself?
Or enjoy a cup of coffee at the local cafe and read the paper?
How about a fancy restaurant, dinner for one? These are treasured
experiences, and allow you to spend time with yourself. You are
the most important person you need to get to know and love spending
time with.
Stay
alert and fight negative self-talk. When that little
voice of pops up in your mind trying to remind you how horrible
you think you are, practice turning those negatives to positives.
No one is perfect! When you find yourself being
self critical immediately stop and pay yourself
a compliment!
Ask
for a hug when you need it. Sometimes there is no better
therapy then a hug and a kind word from someone that cares about
you, but our loved-ones aren't mind readers! Tell them when you're
having a bad day and ask for a hug, a shoulder to lean on, or
an ear to listen.
Stay
away from fashion magazines. Most models make up less
than one percent of the human population when it comes to their
size. In addition, each one has a staff of people to make them
transform into what the final photo looks like-- designers, make-up
artists, camera people and lighting specialists, and photo retouchers
(think "airbrush"). Instead, invest in magazines that
contribute to who you are, such as news magazines
or magazines that relate to your hobbies and interests (art, music,
sports, traveling, home decorating, gardening, etc.).
Remind yourself that the people who truly love you, love
you for you, not for what you look like.
Remind
yourself that looking healthy is something positive.
It means that you are well rested, eating right and nurturing
your soul. It means no more than that, and no less than that.
