How Do You View Your Body

Do You Love Your Body?

When you think of your body is it with a fondness, a compassion? Because it should be, all of us need to enjoy the heck out of our bodies. You only get this one body so treat it with the respect it deserves. Everyone abuses their bodies-it’s hard not to. Whether you punish yourself with a half marathon, or drink, smoke, or not get enough sleep, it’s a daily struggle. Every one of us go through life with the intent of treating ourselves with the utmost care. At times, this falls by the wayside. Life gets in the way. Stress factors in, in a major way, forgetting how to cognitively function, or just intentionally punishing ourselves to the point of exhaustion. One and the same.

Not one of us is perfect. To believe so is a fool’s paradise. All of us get through this life one day at a time; one person’s struggle is another person’s norm.

Full Length Mirrors?

Does everyone own a full-length mirror? If not invest in one, maybe. Take a good look at yourself, check your body out. Everyone will see something different than what is there. Every single person has the tendency to look negatively at themselves and positively at others. Being jealous because you think someone is prettier than you get you nowhere fast. Her body is thinner than mine, or her hair is a deeper red, it all adds up to feeling bad about yourself. Please do not compare yourself to others.  Find the positives about your body and exploit them. Maybe you have legs that stretch to heaven, or your eyes are a beautiful shade of emerald, green. Make the most of your positive features and downplay what you think are the negatives.

At times looking in the mirror you wonder if it is in fact a funhouse mirror. That really cannot be how you look. Have I gone around all day truly looking like this? You are your own worst enemy. Instead of noticing how thick your thighs are; try imaging then in a skirt or a pair of running shorts. You may see muscle instead of fat, beauty instead of ugliness. Our vision is sometimes our worst adversary.

Furthermore, when you look in the mirror look deep and see the beauty that is standing before you. You notice the kindness in your eyes, the fullness of your hair, the beautiful shade of your complexion. Strength often negates weakness. Listen not to the naysayers, believe in yourself. You have this one life to live, your body image should not make life choices for you. Believe you are beautiful, and you will be beautiful. You can have a kind soul, touch people's lives with the empathy you have for them. Kindness goes a long way, sometimes silence is a virtue. Other times telling people what you think they want to hear gives you an immense sense of satisfaction. Bringing a smile to anyone’s face can also make your day better.

Celebrate You

Body dysmorphic disease is a real and scary thing. Do not get caught up in it. Love your body the way God gave it to you. After all, God knows what he is doing. He didn’t make you exactly like anyone else. You are your own person-act like it. Treat your body right and it will uphold you for years to come.

My body, my choice you hear it all the time. I believe in it and live by it. My choice for my body is running, reading, healthy eating, a close circle of friends, and family. When I look in the mirror, I see a well-rounded individual who is by no means perfect. Just an average girl living the very best life she can live.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

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