We've all done it. Stood in front of a mirror and fixated on a flaw. A wrinkle here. A dimple there. And suddenly we're hating ourselves. All because of a stupid wrinkle.
Make-up artists tell clients not to stand too close to the mirror. Why? Because no one else views you as critically as you view yourself. No one else stares at the blemish on your cheek, or the line on your forehead. Why should you fixate on it? Instead, they recommend that you step back a bit and admire the big picture, the total person. Mind, body and spirit.
People don't usually see themselves this way -- they generally look at some small part and stake everything on that. I got a letter once from a woman who felt her whole life was falling apart because her thighs were too fat.
But, it's not about thinner thighs. Sure, you might like to have thinner thighs. We all want to change something. But it's really about everything.
I feel strongly that no matter who you are, you have to work with everything God has given you. Some of us are natural athletes, others are naturally gifted in very different areas. As we get more comfortable with ourselves, more sure of our priorities, it's okay to say: "You know what? Not everything has to be perfect." It's okay to be just who I am. I'm not in competition with anyone. I'm going to focus on reaching my own highest level of vitality.
When you do that, you'll feel great about yourself, you'll feel great in your body -- and you'll be in good enough shape to experience the very best your life has to offer.
The next time you find yourself hating some part of your body, give one of these tricks a try:
Body Image Boosters
Soft FocusWhenever you stare in the mirror and fixate on a flaw, take a few steps back. Smile. Squint your eyes and peer through your eyelashes if you have to. See yourself in soft focus -- the way the rest of the world does. Then, instead of focusing on your less-than-perfect parts, focus on the good things you do with the help of your body. Maybe it's hugging your children or loving your spouse or planting your garden or making a great presentation at work. Remind yourself to put on this "soft-focus lens" whenever you start getting critical.
Accentuate the Positive
You probably know what your least favorite features are -- but which features are you really happy with? Maybe you have clear, supple skin. Or tapered fingers. Or shiny, healthy hair. When you're down, lavish some attention on one of your favorite features. Apply your favorite vitamin-enriched face cream, get a manicure, give your hair a deep conditioning treatment. Or draw attention to your prettiest parts by adorning yourself with your favorite accessories.
The Feel-Good Box
Find a pretty box or basket and every time you get a compliment, write it down on a piece of paper and drop it in. Every time you get a gift from a friend or family member -- save the card in your Feel-Good Box. When you read a quote that touches you, add it to the collection. When you get flowers, dry a few and throw them in as well. This should be like a keepsake box, but only items that conjure up good feelings are allowed! When you're blue, the Feel-Good Box should be the first place you turn.