The sad but unfortunately true fact is that, for ages, people and women, in particular, have been taught to look at their bodies through a highly criticizing lens. Whether it’s the pressure of society, the glossy magazine pages and sights of flawless-looking celebrities, or a combination of all these factors, we’ve been almost brainwashed into thinking that we’re not slender enough, tall enough, that our skin isn’t smooth enough. The body positivity movement and its fierce advocates, along with unretouched photos, have done their fair share when it comes to letting us know the big secret – no one is perfect, and we need to stop comparing and measuring ourselves to others. However, no amount of celeb talk and less-than-perfect photos are enough if you don’t learn to love yourself just as you are. It may sound trite, but it’s true – your body really is your temple, it makes you who you are, so it’s time to stop with the self-deprecation and get back on the self-love path. It may be a process, but you’re not alone, so soak up the steps, implement them and start appreciating your body in all its flawed and imperfect glory and remember – perfection is an illusion.
Health comes first
The word ‘diet’ has a bad reputation, as it usually involves starvation and awful meals that in the long run have no true effect. Instead of worrying about the outside, you should be focusing on the inside. The goal of a healthy dietary lifestyle shouldn’t be a ‘great body’, it should be achieving that perfect internal balance and health. Adopting this habit shouldn’t be difficult as the foods designed to get your body in perfect condition – otherwise known as superfoods – aren’t only beneficial to your health, thanks to an abundance of antioxidants, fibers, and omega-3 fatty acids, but delicious too. Once you are healthy, you will, in turn, be beaming with energy, your mood will improve and you’ll be well on your way towards happiness, and the weight (if extra pounds are causing you insecurities) will melt, but that’s just the bonus. The main goal is loving your body regardless of its size and flaws. The main goal is health. Once that is achieved, all other pieces of the puzzle will fall right into place.
Gratitude
Loving your body means being grateful for and to it. It has carried you through the good times and the bad, and it’s the only one you have so you might as well cherish it. As this is easier said than done, one of the methods that have proven to be most effective in many areas of life, achieving serenity, gratitude, and self-love included, is meditation. Not only does it give you the time to reflect and get centered, but it has scientifically proven benefits on both the body and mind. It helps shed anxiety, and depression and brings what we all seek – serenity and well-being. So, for twenty minutes a day, do your best to focus on all the good things and soon enough you’ll realize that your ‘flaws’ pale in comparison to your wonderful traits. Not only that, but you’ll learn to not only accept but love even those self-appointed flaws as they are what makes you unique.
Change what you can
Make no mistake about it, every single person in this world wishes they could change something about themselves. Some would like to be taller, others shorter. Some want a thinner nose or to be a different body type. First of all – you are born in that particular body for a reason, so just stop putting yourself down and focus on the positives. However, if there is something that is within your power to change – just get up and do it. If you don’t like your tummy – hit the gym, that’s what it’s there for. If you don’t like the appearance of your breasts – find out what the breast lift cost and save up for it. First, you will find that these procedures aren’t as pricey as they used to be, they’re much safer than before thanks to the advancements in cosmetic surgery, and if you believe that having something corrected will make you happier, go for it – just remember, everything in moderation. If you’re going to love yourself, you need to look like yourself at the end of the day.
The power of the written word
This may sound corny, but don’t knock it ‘till you’ve tried it. Sit down every morning and, either while meditating or having your cup of coffee, say at least three things you love about your body. It may seem challenging, but you’ll find that you have tons of compliments hidden in the back of your brain. Then, go a step further from positive affirmations and write your body a love letter. Thank it for carrying you for all these years, thank all your flaws, tell it how much you love both parts of it and it as a whole, and make a pledge, a written contract that you will uphold to always love and never again criticize it. In addition to that, make a vow never to let body-shamers get you down. These are little people with little lives and their voices should be drowned out. Cut out the negative and toxic people from your life, those that make you feel bad about yourself, and surround yourself with those who uplift and celebrate you. You don’t know it yet, but these actions will change your entire perspective, both of your body and your life. Now go, implement these steps and be happy in the skin you live in.
