Body Images

Becoming comfortable with your body is not about crash dieting and spending hours at the gym to attain that elusive hard body. While I agree that incorporating good eating habits and regular exercise into our lives is important, having a good body image is ultimately about acceptance and loving yourself.

Total self acceptance is something that rarely comes easily. Oh sure, we might easily fool ourselves into thinking that we love ourselves completely until something happens that tests our ideal thinking (divorce, weight gain, job loss, etc.). Do you love yourself without question? Or do you rely on other people to assure you of your physical desirability and worthiness of love?

Recently I've become too focused on my belly. I hadn't really paid much attention to my overall physical shape until the past couple of months when I realized that it has miraculously grown into a bit more than a pudge due to a combination of aging, poor diet habits and too little exercise. To my horror, my husband tells me that my stomach has been this way for a couple of years now.... WHAT?? He could have told me, don't you think? Obviously my husband has the unconditional love concept down perfectly in my regard. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful! I wish I could as easily love myself with that much compassion. Today I'm struggling with my body image, straddled with a repeat lesson of learning self acceptance and loving myself without exception.

What would your rather hear from your partner?

• a) I adore your voluptuous curves
• b) Those cheese puffs you're eating are going right to your thighs

I personally prefer to be surrounded by people who adore me. Although it is nice to hear someone tell us how wonderful and beautiful we are I'm beginning to understand it is best not to fully depend on it. A reality check needs to be added to the equation. Naturally, no one wants to be in the company of a nagging or judgemental person. By all means, please limit your time spent with people who criticize or judge you by their unrealistic and harsh markers. But, I believe some gentle criticism can be acceptable if given graciously. A sprinkling of outrageous praise with a pinch of gentle criticism is a palatable spice for my body-image diet.

We may not ever fit into society's measure of a perfect 10 body but a perfect 10 body-image is definitely attainable. Below I have outlined a few simple steps meant not only to help nurture and love your physical body, but to also help align your mind, body and spirit into a lovable image for you to embrace whole-heartedly. Take care of yourself. Love yourself.

STEPS TO ATTAINING A PERFECT 10 BODY IMAGE

Eat Sensibly

• Don't skip breakfast
• Eat fruits and veggies
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit sugar and fat intake
• Don't crash diet
• Don't deprive yourself of occasional treats
• Don't eat during the RED ZONE (between 9 PM and 6 AM)

Exercise Regularly

• Begin a fitness program at your local gym
• Swim laps 2-3 times a week
• Join an aerobics class
• Power walking
• Tai Chi

Challenge Your Mind

• Be open to learning new experiences
• Sign-up for a new class/workshop
• Read a new book

Quiet Your Spirit Routinely

• Pen into a personal journal
• Morning meditation(10-30 minutes)
• Yoga stretches
• Nature walks
• Gardening

Emotional Well Being / Support

• Volunteer / Be a Mentor
• Join a support group
• Immerse yourself into work/hobby that brings out your creative juices

Acceptance / Love Yourself

• Schedule routine health checkups
• Pamper yourself
  • Get a massage
  • Have a Reiki treatment
  • Soak in a steamy bath
• Smile at your reflection in the mirror

Body Image Resources