With all the struggles we face daily, raising confident, well-round children single parents must single handedly provide guidance and direction that will last a lifetime. My goal is to always provide you with information and resources to make parenting the joy it should be. Lori Hanson's book uncovers the hidden epidemic of eating disorders that is a must read if you or someone you know suffers from a poor self-image.
What do you believe…about yourself? Do you believe you’re handsome, pretty? Or do you believe your nose is too big, your skin is horrible and you’re too fat, or skinny? Your beliefs play a huge part in what happens in your life. What you believe about yourself is a self-fulfilling prophecy. As long as you believe it, it’s not going to change! Henry Ford defined this succinctly when he said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
In order to be a happy in life it’s important to be confident and comfortable with yourself. So what do you do if you have self-limiting beliefs? Here are five easy steps to help you build a better body image:
Step 1: Identify one thing about your body that you like.
You can always find at least one thing! Is it your eyes? Do you have really cool hair? Are you strong and a great competitor? Do you have an incredible smile that lights up the room? Are you petite (remember good things come in small packages!) Find one thing, acknowledge and appreciate this as your best quality. You can appreciate things about your body without being arrogant or annoying.
Step 2: Identify one thing about your body that you would like to improve.
If there is something you don’t like about your body and you can change it—do it! Would you like to be healthier and get in better shape so you can enjoy more activities? Hate being a red head or having curly hair? Change it! If this is really important to you, will find the determination to set goals and achieve them. If you need help to set or reach your goals ask for help.
Step 3: Appreciate your individuality!
Just like dogs come in many sizes and builds, humans come in many shapes and sizes too. We are all unique, but unfortunately the pressure to look “perfect” comes from many angles. It’s important to ignore the pressure of the media and society and appreciate the package you came in. After all, it’s what’s inside and who you are that really counts!
Step 4: Don’t be traumatized by what you can’t change.
Learn to appreciate your perceived “flaws”. If you can laugh about things you may not like about yourself it will eliminate the trauma we sometimes attach to them. As a kid I was told I had a pug/ski jump nose. I just adopted the ski jump title. It always makes people laugh and usually they respond with, “Aw it’s not that bad.” Soon it wasn’t an issue any more.
Step 5: Appreciation, not envy.
If there is someone you admire because of how they look? Don’t waste your energy on jealousy or making fun of them to make yourself feel better. It will only pull you down. Instead, share compliments generously. If a friend has gorgeous hair, tell her. If a guy you know has a great set of guns or a nice sick pack, commend him on his hard work to develop it. By sharing genuine compliments with others you’ll make them feel good and that feel good energy will be returned to you threefold! Soon you’ll be feeling great about the package you’re in!
Lori Hanson is an eating disorder coach, speaker and award-winning author of “It Started with Pop-Tarts…An Alternative Approach to Winning the Battle of Bulimia.” Visit www.Learn2Balance.com to learn more.
Comments