Just like an attitude, we each have a body image. It may be positive or negative, and it might fluctuate with the day or the moment. And, just like our attitudes, your perceived body image and mine is important.
This is today’s subject in our series, Loving The Skin You’re In. So, what is body image image and why does it matter? Simply, it’s how you and I think about and view our physical bodies. It’s our attitudes about our physical selves. How we perceive ourselves physically often determines how we treat ourselves and how we treat others.
You and I have either a positive or negative body image.
Positive body image is feeling confident and comfortable in your physical body. It’s accepting its size and shape, understanding physical appearance has nothing to do with one’s worth and value.
Negative body image, however, involves unfavorable views about one’s body. Feelings of physical self-consciousness and embarrassment may accompany a negative body image, and these can lead to low self-esteem, depression and even eating disorders. Find more information here.
I’d venture to guess we all desire to have a positive body image. But what if, currently, we don’t have one? Is there anything we can do?
Yes, we can choose to change how we perceive our bodies. We can change the way we think. We can alter our body image to a more positive one.
Here are a few ideas that may help:
Appreciate all your body does.
We discussed this a couple days ago. Make a list of all your body does and thank God for each one. For example, everything from breathing to seeing to walking to dancing. Your body is an amazing gift!
Celebrate your body instead of comparing or criticizing it.
Comparing was our subject yesterday. Treat your body well. Do something nice for it and you. Say only kind words about your body and talk to yourself nicely. Certainly, treat yourself graciously, as you would a best friend.
Wear clothes that make you feel good.
A friend of mine wore a cute belt with her dress the other day. After I complimented her on it, she responded, “If I can’t lose it, I’m going to decorate it!” When you feel comfortable in your clothes, you’re likely to feel confident.
Remember, true beauty is what’s on the inside.
Your kindness, your humble confidence, your authenticity contributes to your inward beauty. These have nothing to do with our physical beauty, however, but your inward beauty is what’s lasting and really matters.
Beauty is when you can appreciate yourself. When you love yourself, that’s when you’re most beautiful.
Zoe Kravitz
Hang out with people who make you better.
It matters who we hang with. Spend time with those who are uplifting, encouraging, loving, and positive. When you leave their presence you feel better about yourself and the world. And, if you don’t have these kind people in your life, be one to others.
See yourself how God sees you.
This may be the most important thing we can do. God created you and He sees you as beautiful, inside and out. So, allow yourself to see the beauty He created in you. Read Psalm 139 to confirm how marvelous He made you.
Friend, will you commit with me to trying one of these today? And one tomorrow (or the same one)? And continue into the days to come until we perceive our bodies positively? If it will help, print off this graphic and place it somewhere you can see it daily.
You can I can love the skin we’re in by perceiving our bodies positively. Let’s hold each other accountable and walk this road together. Thank you, friend, for journeying with me. You’re a beautiful gift!
Much love,
Love this list! We need to tape it to our mirrors!