How Do I Feel About Me

This week in Houston one of the radio stations brought up a recent study in regards to women and body image. I was called and asked to contribute to the conversation. Every woman knows the pressure of dealing with our imperfect bodies. It's in every magazine I can think of. No matter who you are, when you compare yourself to others you can feel like you got the short end of the stick. We are now starting to see the girls affected are getting younger and younger.

After the show, I received an email from the mother of six year old. The little girl complained to her mother that her "thighs were not as thin as Sarah's and also that she thought she was fat". What, did I hear that right? How is it possible that at the age of six you are already aware and concerned how your body looks?
I don't remember looking at myself until I was ten. I was only able to discover my flaws through the comments of my family and friends. What were those messages? How did they make me feel?

This is all part of body image. As parents we are the first line of defense for our children. Be careful what you say to your children. Please don't compare them to other children and don't talk bad about your own body within hearing distance of them (please don't do it at all).

I have added some "tips" that may help you to pass on to your daughters and sons too (boy's have body image issues also). Or you may adopt them for yourself.

Ten Tips to Love Yourself and Your Body

1. Replace the phrase or "tape" in their head that says" I am fat" with something like "I exercise and eat right".
2. Replace "I bombed on a test", or "I am stupid and fat" with "I am smart and can do better". Think of one thing you could do next time (prepare and talk to the teacher to find help).
3. Make a habit of complimenting yourself. It isn't bragging...it's called being your own best friend. Maybe you have a great sense of humor or maybe you get along with everyone...whatever it is.
4. At the end of the day think of three things that went well that day. Write them down...it is a rare day that doesn't offer something good.
5. Make a list of all your strengths, and repeat them each morning or evening. Add to the list as you get better and better.
6. Set an easy goal. Easy goals are more achievable and will make you feel better about yourself. Most of the time we focus on being thinner because we think it would make our confidence higher. Your confidence grows first and then comes a healthier life style
7.Do something with your mom. Talk to her about how she used to feel about her body. Ask her for some ideas of what you can do.
8. Practice talking in front of a mirror. Practice coming across strong and assertive. When you feel badly about your body, your body slumps and you may talk soft and timid. If you become more assertive you will feel more in control of your body.
9. Find one exercise you can do six days a week. It doesn't have to be much...just consistent.
10. Find one active friend who will exercise with you every day. Diets don't work. A change in your life-style will.

Success has nothing to do with how we look. Success has a lot to do with how we FEEL ABOUT THE WAY WE LOOK. This may be the perfect time to begin to work on how we feel about the way we look.

MJo