Body Image and Self-Esteem

Have you ever looked into a mirror and said, "I hate my thighs, I hate my waist…or I hate my body?"

Those negative body image messages destroy your self-esteem. How do you think this affects your relationship with your body over a long period of time?

Are you always unhappy with your body? No matter how you actually look, are you always dieting and trying to get thinner? Do you feel you would be happier if you were different?

Always trying to be something other than what you are also damages your self esteem. It is extremely hard to build a solid foundation of happiness on such shaky ground, like trying to pull yourself out of a depression by dwelling on feelings of worthlessness.

Self-acceptance is a better foundation for creating the body you want. Simply acknowledging that you are okay the way you are and knowing that you are on a path of improvement helps you to feel better about yourself.

How does self-acceptance differ from resignation?

Try to avoid beating yourself up about your "lack of willpower", and your perceived shortcomings. Be gentle with yourself and use affirmative phrases that do not degrade you. Ask yourself if you would say those things to a good friend whom you were trying to encourage? If not, don't say them to yourself.

Click here to learn positive self affirmations.