How does your body look? The way you answer this question can give you some insights into whether or not you have a healthy body image. If your first answer is “I’m fat”, “My breasts are too small,” “My rear end too large”, it doesn’t matter whether you’re right or not. Body Image is all about perception. Your perception.
Interestingly, many women have opinions about their body that don’t match up with what the rest of the world sees. Men can be more positive and flattering about a woman’s body than she is herself. Where you see fat, maybe he sees voluptuous breasts. But all the compliments in the world won’t improve your outlook if you’re determined to find fault. Ultimately, we are each in charge of shaping our own self-esteem.
You could, and many women do, go through life accepting a bad self-image. But it is a heavy and unnecessary burden to carry. You could say it’s not that important. You could accept those nasty little comments about yourself every morning when you get dressed. But I’m going to give you some reasons to fight back.
Negative self perception rubs off on other areas of your life. Once you become accustomed to saying ugly things about your body, you may notice yourself critiquing your work performance, parenting skills or cooking abilities. Pretty soon, you won’t believe you’re good at anything, giving yourself an excuse to stop trying your best. This complacency becomes a safety net of sorts, a frustrating, sad one filled with days spent in big gray sweaters.
I’m suggesting that the things you don’t like about your body actually start in your mind, and that is where you have to turn them around. Take small, simple, but important first steps. One month of practice can become a habit. Try promising yourself that for 30 days, you’ll silence every ugly thought you have about your body. Replace those negative images with something you like about yourself. Everyone can appreciate some part of their body: pretty eyes, healthy hair, clear skin.
The point is to start seeing yourself as good, even in small ways. That change in your outlook will eventually lead to some concrete changes in your daily life that will reshape your self-esteem and your body. But first you have to allow yourself to like the body you’re in right now. Fortunately, that is something you have complete control over.
