Well, you're not alone. Far from it. Whether you feel you are too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short, too hairy, not hairy enough, too-something -- or just not something enough - everyone feels like there's something they'd like to change about their bodies.
Yet there are lots of reasons to appreciate even cherish the body you have. For one thing, accepting yourself is a lot more fun, and wastes waaay less time, than constantly obsessing over what you don't like, don't have, or want to 'fix.' Your body is yours, uniquely yours, to use, take care of, and to treasure.
Here are some things to help you appreciate all that is -- you ! (Yay you!)
1. Think About What You're Missing
Consider this: What do you miss out on when you don't accept your body and treat it well? What has it cost you so far? Aside from the physical and mental health risks, think about all the things you refrain from doing, trying, being . Think about all the people you don't meet, the cool things you never experience, when you let a pesky negative body image stand in your way.
2. Make a List of People You Admire
Who rates high in your book? Who do you think is cool? What do you think are the most important traits a person can have? List who you admire, or people you recognize as having made a difference in your life, or in the world. Are they all supermodels? (I bet they're not.) Likely your list is chock full of smart, kind, creative, inventive, funny, talented, self-confident people. And hey, aren't you a couple of those things yourself? (And if self-confident isn't one of them, why not start today?)
3. Stop Talking About Your Weight (or your hair, face, whatever)Every time you disparage yourself somebody is listening. Literally, your body 'hears' what you say and your negative feelings are reinforced and further internalized. So knock it off won'tcha? Because you're hurting the one you love you.
4. Don't Believe the Hype!
Remember: The objective of the fashion, cosmetic, diet, fitness and plastic surgery industries is not to inform, serve, guide or help you. It is to make money. And how do they make their gazillions of dollars? By suggesting that you need to be different, and that you need to spend money to get that way.
Think about it: Their very existence is predicated on you not liking you the way you are. Remember: You're the boss of you. Don't define yourself by arbitrary, external dictates. Instead, work on developing your own style. Have fun. Wear something weird. Or don't. Do what feels right, and you won't go wrong.
5. Concentrate on Things You Do Well
Why focus on what you don't like when you could just as easily focus on what you do like? Keep busy; there's nothing like talking with a friend or playing a vigorous game of volleyball to make you forget about your silly ole appearance. Change your focus, and you'll soon see a change in how you feel.
