I have a friend I think is beautiful. Well actually, I have many friends I think are beautiful. And like many other women, I compare myself to them...they always win because I'm harsh on myself. So imagine my surprise when I brought up last week's USAToday supplement on body image with Beautiful Friend No. 1 and she said, "I struggle with body image." I could only answer with an incredulous, "REALLY?!"
I'm notorious for not noticing changes like haircuts. Used to make my husband crazy that I didn't notice when he got one. A friend or coworker can even have a radical hairstyle change and I'm still like, "hey, how was your weekend; do anything fun?" But I have kind of a eerie radar -- I don't see your packaging, I see your insides. I pick up the most subtle changes in your moods or feelings. Simply, I see your 'aura'. No, not a colored cloud around you -- just the beauty and struggles within. Mostly beauty. Unless you are evil. And then I feel that too. I interviewed a man the other day for a job and while the packaging was quite nice, there was something about him I couldn't put my finger on. He made me uneasy. I searched for a label to put on the feeling and the one that eventually fit the best was 'creepy'. Like if I found out later he was into child porn it wouldn't surprise me.
But back to body image...Your packaging is just fine. Seriously. It's the inner beauty I see in you. I (dare I go so far as to say "we"?) don't care about your flapping triceps, your extra 15 pounds, your bad hair day.... This is how I coach myself. Seriously, people aren't spending near as much time judging my hair, proportions, clothes, etc as I am! I want to share below an article from the USAToday supplement because I found it to be a little bit of a unique take on holding a better body image. [Author: Pia Guerrero, Founder/editor, AdiosBarbie.com]
5 Tips for Better Body Image
You are beautiful in every way. Now go out there and have a wonderful day!
I'm notorious for not noticing changes like haircuts. Used to make my husband crazy that I didn't notice when he got one. A friend or coworker can even have a radical hairstyle change and I'm still like, "hey, how was your weekend; do anything fun?" But I have kind of a eerie radar -- I don't see your packaging, I see your insides. I pick up the most subtle changes in your moods or feelings. Simply, I see your 'aura'. No, not a colored cloud around you -- just the beauty and struggles within. Mostly beauty. Unless you are evil. And then I feel that too. I interviewed a man the other day for a job and while the packaging was quite nice, there was something about him I couldn't put my finger on. He made me uneasy. I searched for a label to put on the feeling and the one that eventually fit the best was 'creepy'. Like if I found out later he was into child porn it wouldn't surprise me.
But back to body image...Your packaging is just fine. Seriously. It's the inner beauty I see in you. I (dare I go so far as to say "we"?) don't care about your flapping triceps, your extra 15 pounds, your bad hair day.... This is how I coach myself. Seriously, people aren't spending near as much time judging my hair, proportions, clothes, etc as I am! I want to share below an article from the USAToday supplement because I found it to be a little bit of a unique take on holding a better body image. [Author: Pia Guerrero, Founder/editor, AdiosBarbie.com]
5 Tips for Better Body Image
- Go on a media diet. Whether it's from reading Facebook or fashion magazines, our increased media consumption is linked to lower body satisfaction and increased guilt. When you feel that way, ditch the device and call a friend, go for a walk or meditate.
- Choose your mood. Overwork, skipped meals, exhaustion and worrying are surefire ways to get grumpy, which studies show increases body dissatisfaction. Increase your energy, clarity and mood-boosting endorphins by scheduling regular times to eat, drink water, exercise and sleep.
- Change the conversation. It is estimated that 80% of our thoughts are negative in some way. Thanks to our reptilian brain, we are literally wired to dwell on what's wrong so we can improve to stay alive. Practice noticing your internal dialogue and create a compassionate comeback when critical thoughts come up.
- Focus on your body. Next time you feel anxiety over what your body looks like, shift your focus to how your body actually feels. Body awareness and breathing exercises are proven ways that connect us to our bodies and our inner selves in a positive way.
- Be grateful. Practice acknowledging what is working in your life, your relationships and with your body once a day.
You are beautiful in every way. Now go out there and have a wonderful day!