Ten Steps to a Positive Body Image
1.) Appericiate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all the amazing things your body does for you -- running, dancing, breathing, laughing, and dreaming.
2.) Keep a top ten list of things that you like about yourself -- things that are not related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about you.
3.) Remind yourself that "true beauty" is not simply skin deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openess that makes you beautiful regardless of wether you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.
4.) Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you -- as a whole person.
5.) Surrond yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are.
6.) Shut down those voices in your head that tell you that your body is not "right" or that you are a "bad" person. You can over power those negative thoughts with postive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.
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