Learning to Love your Body

I had a person email me today in reference to my recent article regarding alcohol. Although it seemed to be of value to her, she gave me a comment about "hips that won't go away"

I her asked to give me a bit more insight on how she was feeling because she was obviously not having a good day.

Obesity is at an all time high in this country and with that comes the notion that women should all fit in this so called perfect body. You know, the Twiggy type, probably not more than 13 years old and a minuscule percentage that will ever walk that runway.

As a result of this conflicting notion of being overweight and trying to fit the perfect image comes a self-loathing that is equally destructive. You can use this anger or frustration to fuel your desire to be more healthy and fit but at the same time you have to love your body where it is now because even after you lose the weight it will still be YOUR body.

Here is a great list of twenty ways to start loving it today!

Compiled by Margo Maine, Ph.D.
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Think of your body as the vehicle to your dreams. Honor it. Respect it. Fuel it.

1. Your body is extraordinary--begin to respect and appreciate it.


2. Create a list of all the things your body lets you do. Read it and add to it often.


3. Become aware of what your body can do each day. Remember it is the instrument of your life, not just an ornament.


4. Create a list of people you admire: people who have contributed to your life, your community, or the world. Consider whether their appearance was important to their success and accomplishments.


5. Walk with your head held high, supported by pride and confidence in yourself as a person.


6. Don't let your weight or shape keep you from activities that you enjoy.


7. Wear comfortable clothes that you like and that feel good to your body.


8. Count your blessings, not your blemishes.


9. Think about all the things you could accomplish with the time and energy you currently spend worrying about your body and appearance. Try one!


10. Be your body's friend and supporter, not its enemy.


11. Consider this: your skin replaces itself once a month, your stomach lining every five days, your liver every six weeks, and your skeleton every three months.


12. Every morning when you wake up, thank your body for resting and rejuvenating itself so you can enjoy the day.


13. Every evening when you go to bed, tell your body how much you appreciate what it has allowed you to do throughout the day.


14. Find a method of exercise that you enjoy and do it regularly. Don't exercise to lose weight or to fight your body. Do it to make your body healthy and strong and because it makes you feel good.


15. Think back to a time in your life when you felt good about your body. Tell yourself you can feel like that again, even in this body at this age.


16. Keep a list of 10 positive things about yourself--without mentioning your appearance. Add to it!


17. Put a sign on each of your mirrors saying, "I'm beautiful inside and out.


18. Choose to find the beauty in the world and in yourself.


19. Start saying to yourself, "Life is too short to waste my time hating my body this way.


20. Eat when you are hungry. Rest when you are tired. Surround yourself with people that remind you of your inner strength and beauty.

Now, I would love to hear comments about why and what you love and respect about your body.