Self Esteem Articles
 

5 Ways to Love Your Body and Feel Great
By Amy Phillips-Gary

It can seem just about impossible to feel good about your
body with all of the images that surround us. Magazine
covers that feature beautiful, young, wrinkle-free women
with curves in all the right places are everywhere. Even as
we know that those cover images are airbrushed and that just
about nobody looks that good in real life, it's hard not to
compare ourselves. And, of course, we never measure up!
Media images of men can be just as unreal and painful for
those who judge themselves against them.

Laying the blame for the predominance of body self-loathing
solely at the feet of the media is probably not fair or
accurate, however. Even if we turn off the tv, cancel all of
our magazine subscriptions, put on blinders when driving
past billboards, and don't go to movies, there are still all
kinds of body baggage that keeps us from loving the way we
look. Perhaps it was a family member who pointed out the
"baby fat" that just didn't go away during adolescence. Or
maybe past traumas have contributed to beliefs that your
body is somehow damaged, spoiled, and somehow inappropriate.
Abuse can have just that effect.

Whatever the causes are for you not feeling your true
beauty, this is no way to live! You cannot fully experience
the joy that is abundantly possible when you feel bad about
how you look. And unfortunately, the more you are aware of
that crook in your nose or the bulge at your middle, the
more you will feel and see that believed ugliness. How many
times have you languished over your "thunder thighs" and
reached for ice cream in solace?

You can turn around the negative feelings you have about
your body and actually learn to love you just the way you
are. In fact, the more you accept your body as is, the
easier it is to treat yourself well. You may find that as
you begin to see your body as more and more acceptable,
exercise becomes something you look forward to rather than a
chore you "have to do because you are fat." You might also
notice yourself choosing to eat 3 cookies rather than the
whole box as you start seeing yourself more positively.

Try these 5 ideas to begin turning your energy toward loving
your body...

1.) Gentle touches
Every single day give yourself/your body gentle touches.
You might start out your morning caressing your body as a
mother would her child. Allow yourself to feel how good
your own loving touch feels on your skin. You could also
give self-massages. This can feel especially good on tight
feet, hands or arms after a long day. You may also give
yourself sensual, sexual touches. This is another powerful
way to love your body and yourself.

2.) Mirror, mirror
If you don't love the way your body looks, seeing your
reflection in a mirror is probably not your favorite
activity. Give it a try anyway. Remember that your brain is
interpreting what you "see" based on your beliefs. You can
stand naked in front of a full body mirror or just focus on
particular reflected parts of you. If critical thoughts
enter your mind, replace them with something that you do
like. Even if it is the beauty of your pinky finger, focus
on that. Next time, build on the positive feelings and
expand your view.

3.) Adorn yourself
Experiment by adding beautiful things to your body. If you
don't usually wear jewelry, see how it feels to put on a few
bracelets or rings. You might even buy some temporary
tattoos and grace your body with flowers, butterflies or
images that please you. This is all to remind you that your
body can be light and fun and pretty. Of course, the real
beauty lies within you and not the jewelry or tattoos, but
adornments can help set the mood.

4.) Be inspired
Critical judging and comparing of bodies-- many of us do this.
You walk down the street and cringe as you see another
person who appears much more attractive and in better shape
than you are. Instantly, your self-esteem plummets. If you
are in the habit of noticing how others look (and lots of us
are even if we don't admit it), shift from comparing to
letting yourself be inspired. Appreciate the beauty you see
in others and know that, ultimately, it is a reflection of
your own beauty.

5.) Say "I Love You"
Perhaps the three most life-changing words you can say to
another person and, especially, yourself are "I love you."
When you begin to fixate on how awful your hair looks or the
clumsy way you walk, replace those thoughts with a simple "I
love you." If you choose to make changes in your hair,
walk, or anything else, come from a place of "I love you"
and not self-degradation. Pay attention to how it feels
when you regularly say this magical phrase to yourself.

It doesn't matter if you weigh hundreds of pounds more than
you "should" or if you have a so-called deformity that
cannot be altered. You can love your body and feel great
about yourself the way you are. Be easy with yourself.
Explore what you like about your body and allow feelings of
love and approval expand out.
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Amy Phillips-Gary is a free-lance writer, homeschool mom and personal growth adventurer.



 

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Susie and Otto Collins are Relationship Coaches and authors of 4 books on relationships and personal growth. To get their FREE weekly newsletter filled with practical tips and ideas for creating more connected, passionate and alive relationships send a blank message to mailto:collins@aweber.com 
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