Body image...

I found this article about body image that tells all about me and how I feel. I did change a few words around and left some stuff out but you'll get the idea. I have a hard time seeing anything that is good. Even if I see it in a picture, I can't see it in the mirror. I have been trying to work on seeing me....the real me. My husband gets so frustrated with me because he thinks I just don't want to listen to him when he gives me a compliment.....it's not that at all....I want to, I just can't for some reason. I need to believe it for myself.

Here’s a list of indicators that your image may be suffering more than usual (and ways to fix it below that):

1. You notice only negative things in the mirror, car windows, storefront windows, etc. Instead of seeing your positive physical traits, you’re more likely to be found bashing your body, and nitpicking at every nook and cranny.

2. You have a tough time taking compliments. It isn’t that you’re too polite to take a compliment; it’s that you truly believe you don’t deserve them.

3. You rarely think you look good. Even wearing a favorite outfit doesn’t help you to feel good in your skin. You rarely feel beautiful or even pretty.

4. You compare yourself to everyone. For many of us, comparisons are as natural as breathing. But, while you’re comparing your appearance to everyone else’s, you rarely have anything good to say about yourself. It’s always, “her thighs are so much slimmer than mine.” “Her waist is much smaller.”

5. It takes you forever to pick out an outfit — more often than not. Do you have a moment — more like many moments — where you’ve been cooped up in your room, trying on tons of clothes? You can’t see your floor, partially because it’s overflowing with clothing and mainly because your face is filled with tears.

6. You skip events because you don’t think you look good enough.

7. You criticize your body regularly. “My stomach is gross.” “My thighs are enormous!”


5 Solutions to Your Bruised Body Image:

1. Think of the awesome things you can do thanks to your body, whether it’s lifting weights, walking several miles, playing with your child, playing an instrument, riding a bike, dancing, achieving a tough yoga pose or simply wrapping your arms around a loved one.

2. What do you like about yourself, including and beyond your body? Create a list of your positive qualities and achievements, and if you need extra reminding, put the list on a note card where you can see it.

3. Hang out with positive people, who appreciate and support you, who see beyond appearances to who you really are.

4. View exercise as fulfilling, not punishing. Instead of working out to eliminate calories choose ways to stay active that you enjoy and that make you feel strong and good about your body. There are tons of options for leading an active lifestyle: walking, hiking, biking, workout DVDs, gym membership, yoga, Pilates, dancing, tennis. There’s nothing wrong with you if you don’t like the latest workout craze. Pick something that resonates with you.

5. Worrying about your weight and body is exhausting and strips you of valuable time. Consider all the good things you miss out on because you’re too busy criticizing yourself.

Do you think your body image has been bruised?

What things do you do to improve your body image?

If you have any advise that will help I would love to hear it!