1. SPEAK KINDLY TO YOURSELF.
Positive affirmations improve self esteem. Make a point of saying out loud to yourself in the mirror, “I am beautiful, just as I am”. Even if you don’t fully believe it, say it to yourself. Even if it seems silly, say it to yourself. The world can be judgemental and sometimes cruel. You don’t have to be.
While you’re at it, be kind to others. As my mother used to say, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. A kind word to someone else costs you nothing, and may mean the world to them.
2. STOP CARING ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK.
Easier said than done, right? I know. Notice that when you start doing more things that you enjoy, the happiness it brings overrides the fear of the opinions of others.
No one else has to walk in your shoes, except you. So make sure that they’re comfy shoes for long distance! You wouldn’t want to run a marathon in stilettos, would you? So equally, you wouldn’t want to go through life being uncomfortable in yourself, or trying to be something that you’re not.
3. APPRECIATE YOUR BODY’S JOURNEY.
My body has been through a lot, as I’m sure that would be the same for most of you. My body is the vessel that contains who I am and what I’ve learnt so far in life. My body made it possible for my son to be born. My body has sustained the sting of abuse. My body has felt the embrace of true love. My body is a miracle, and contains my life force.
4. GET YOUR GEAR OFF!
If you’re not feeling comfortable with your body, getting naked might be a difficult task. If you’re feeling this way, start small. After a shower, wander around the house for a while before you put clothes on. Want more? Put some music on and dance around the house in your birthday suit! Feeling adventurous? Walk out into your backyard, and let the sun warm up every part of your body.
I have never met a woman who is 100% happy with her body. And that makes me sad. We feel the pressure from society and social media to have the “perfect body”. But these perfect bodies that are shown on instagram and other media platforms are not the average, and sometimes aren’t even real. Touch ups, prefect lighting, and photoshop have made these bodies look better that the real person in the flesh.
Taking your clothes off and being naked can be very freeing. It’s almost as if by taking off the clothes, we also strip off our body-negative thoughts too. We strip off the high ideals of having a perfect body. We strip off expectations and just be ourselves. Will you give it a try?
– Hazel.
Hazel Moon 