Photo: Photo by Elijah Henderson on Unsplash
Yes, it's possible. Are you ready?
By Judy Molinaro — Written on Oct 19, 2017
Without fail, day in and day out, you are bombarded with advertisements and social media displaying perfect people living perfect lives.
For many, the continual onslaught of unrealistic body image standards has led to hurtful sensitivities resulting in periods of overwhelming pain, heartache, and self-destruction.
It’s time you stop directing your attention toward what you deem as flaws and failures in your physique. A positive body image won't come from focusing on what you consider negative!
Instead, you can focus your energy on 12 ways to feel better about your body right now.
1. It’s okay to admire someone else’s beauty; just don’t question your own.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Healthy comes in all shapes and sizes and life is too short to be in a hate-state with your body. Be grateful for who you are and what you have; take time to reflect on your blessings rather than your blemishes.
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2. When life throws you curves, flaunt them.
Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. Stop focusing so intently on a number displayed by a digital instrument.
When you’re tempted to think of your self-worth based on what the scale says, tell yourself that you are a hundred and sexy!
3. If your compassion doesn’t include you, it’s incomplete.
The next time you are thinking of beautiful things, don’t forget to count yourself among them. Learning to love yourself will be the first step to transformation.
Move toward a more peaceful existence by recognizing how amazing and unique you are, and that you have something to offer this world that no one else can.
4. Your body hears everything that your mind says.
The greater part of your happiness or heartache will depend solely on your attitude, not on your situation.
Positive self-talk is empowering; what you focus on will become your reality, and part of your positive body image. If you realized how powerful your thoughts were, you would never think a negative thought again.
5. Aspire to be "flawsome."
Strive to become the type of person that embraces their flaws and evolves into awesome in spite of them.
Aspire to be happy and content with what you have; love yourself as you are. Life is too short to spend another moment being at war with yourself. Make peace with where you are and move forward knowing that you are in charge.
6. Focus on caring for your mind, body, and spirit.
Life is a balancing act of holding on and letting go.
Be conscious and introspective in the choices you make; ask yourself if what you’re doing is getting you closer to what you want or further away from it.
Respect your body like it belongs to someone you love.
7. Your goal should be to fall in love with everything you already are.
Imagine how wonderful life would be if you obsessed about all the things you love about yourself.
Begin by setting your sights on being healthy and strong; trust that the answers you are looking for lie within you.
Learn to be comfortable and content being perfectly imperfect you.
8. You are more than just your body; your value as an individual is immeasurable.
Happiness isn’t size specific and your weight does not equal your worth.
Forge a new relationship with yourself and witness your full potential; gain a true appreciation for who you are and what you’re capable of. Embrace and love your body, it’s the most amazing thing you will ever own.
9. Be happy with where you are, while you’re working toward where you want to be.
Let your daily actions and attitudes define your success.
While it’s human nature to want the approval and acceptance of your contemporaries, don’t allow your mind to be distorted by societies fabricated notions of beauty. Learn to love your body through its growth; you can be both a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.
10. Positive thoughts and actions in the morning can change your entire day.
You have 24 brand new hours ahead of you; use this opportunity to begin your day fit and focused.
Consciously pay attention to what it is that you are thinking and feeling; don’t allow your mind to rehash the past or imagine the future. When you are able to live in harmony with your body it will be the instrument to achieving your dreams.
11. Don’t let your mind bully your body.
The problem isn’t your body at all. The problem is what you think about it.
Stop criticizing yourself for your imperfections. Your happiness is up to you; it will be influenced by your thoughts and how you envision your future.
You are strong, you are beautiful, and you are enough just as you are.
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12. Honor your body for being home to an incredible soul.
Circumvent the mental patterns that cause anguish and suffering; heal your body from the inside out.
Transform your relationship with yourself by being more aware of what you want. Let your intuition and sense of self-guide you and your life will flourish.
Fall in love with everything you already are.
With societal pressures and the constant presence of print and electronic media depicting unrealistic body images, it can be an uphill battle to have a nurturing relationship with your body. It takes a tremendous amount of self-love, patience, and openness to be accepting of who you are inside and out. Realize that you have choices and are in control of your present and future happiness.
If you follow these twelve ways to feel better about your body right now, you can begin your journey to self-healing today!
Judy Molinaro is a wellness coach and a master yoga instructor at judymolinaro.com. If you would like to learn more about how to create a more positive body image, enhancing your overall well-being, contact her today.