Feeling good about the skin you’re in doesn’t call for developing a waif’s figure, a model’s face or a queen’s grace. The fact of the matter is a healthy body image must come from the inside – not out. No matter what you look like, how much you weigh or how graceful you happen to be, you can be happy with who you are.
While it’s always wise to learn to eat right, work exercise into your routine and generally take care of yourself from the inside out, these actions won’t produce the desired results if you don’t develop a healthy body image first.
Sadly, the messages we receive from movies, television and magazines can make it very hard for individuals to be pleased with how they look. When the truth is uncovered, however, it becomes a little easier. The fact is the icons society holds up as “beautiful” are just people, too. The models in magazines with those perfect faces and bodies are generally airbrushed. They don’t look perfect in real life. Actresses who are 10 or 20 pounds underweight just for looks are likely gambling with their health to stay paper thin.
So, how can you develop a healthy image of yourself in light of society’s role models?
Try doing these things to become happy with who you are now:
- Identify and capitalize on your strengths – Explore the inner you and list out the traits that make you special. These can include both physical and personality traits. You might be the most loyal friend in the world. Perhaps you have eyes that can stop traffic. Focus on what makes you special and embrace your nature and appealing characteristics.
- Identify the things you’d like to change – Let’s face it; most of us do have things about ourselves we’d like to change or make better. Identify your traits and determine which ones can be changed within reason. Perhaps you’d like to lose 10 pounds? Or maybe you’d like to work on being a more patient and understanding person? Consider what is in your grasp to change and take action to make sure you are moving in the right direction.
- Take steps to make positive, realistic changes – Once you identify the things you can do to become the person you want to be, take steps to make the goals become reality. Start a workout plan to begin the weight loss process. Focus on eating healthier with lots of nutrient dense food. Go back to school to obtain the degree or education you want or develop and learn something new that is exciting, fun, and makes your grow. Use positive reinforcements to develop the personality traits you’d like to display.
It doesn’t matter how many days a week you spend in a gym, you’re not going to be happy with the changes made until you learn to love and appreciate yourself. Developing a positive self-image is the first step to becoming happy with who you are. Work with the pros at your local fitness center or a health and fitness specialist to identify steps you can take to reach your goals and improve your self-image along the way. Remember to embrace the wonderful person you already are to gain maximum enjoyment of your results.
About the Author
Marin health and fitness expert, John Spongberg is the founder of Personal Training in Marin as well as an accomplished author, speaker and life coach. He is dedicated to helping people reach their optimum level of fitness, health and body satisfaction through a unique, comprehensive whole-person approach, customized to each client.
Mr. Spongberg creates a successful experience for individuals who are ready to take the next step to, once and for all, achieve the extraordinary health, vitality and body they’ve long been dreaming of. Your satisfaction is personally guaranteed 100% or your money back!
If you’re ready, you can reach Mr. Spongberg at (415) 322-7033 or visit his website at www.PersonalTrainingInMarin.comwhere you can download your free copy of his special health and fitness report, The Truth About Losing Weight.
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