Bad Yogi Blog

Take a good hard look at a Victoria’s Secret catalog; how does it make you feel?
No this isn’t one of those therapy sessions where you tell me something, and I say,”and how does that make you feel?” I want you to listen to the thoughts going on in your mind; what are they saying?

Are you saying something like “cute underwear!” or maybe “cute hair and makeup?” Possibly you are saying those things, but your next thoughts, I’m 99% sure, are about you.

I’m guessing you are comparing yourself, feeling like you don’t measure up, wishing you had their bodies, and generally feeling lousy. You’re probably craving a box of cookies at this point, I know I am. (Those Oreos covered in white cream on the outside, to be exact.)

Body image is such a personal thing, and that intimate moment when you look in the mirror, taking your clothes off before you get in the shower, is probably the most private thing you do all day. You’re standing there, staring at yourself in your most vulnerable state. Most women, rather than loving what they see and saying nice things to themselves, tear their bodies apart, picking out every single minor detail they absolutely hate.

Imagine the perfect life; you wake up in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror and see your dream body. You stare at your butt and smile, you stare at your stomach and feel overjoyed that this is what you look like. You feel fabulous!

Why can’t you feel the exact same way with the body you have now? You should be able to stare at your butt, stare at your stomach, and smile at yourself because you look gorgeous, no matter what body you have, right now!

Here are a few tips to help you look at yourself and stop tearing your beautiful body down:

1. Remember, being skinny is not going to suddenly make your life perfect

Money can’t buy happiness, and neither can skinny.

We all seem to have this theory that once we have the perfect body everything else will be perfect too. Stop waiting for the perfect body and live your life now. You are not going to turn into Gisele Bundchen, and that’s not necessary for you to love yourself.

2. Spend time thinking about more important things

There are so many other things you could be devoting precious time, especially thinking time, to! Imagine what you could accomplish! Imagine all the hobbies you could enjoy! Constantly focusing on how you look is the mental equivalent of scrolling Instagram for hours and hours; it will get you nowhere.

3. Listen to your “Inner Goddess”

Think of your inner goddess as a sort of fairy godmother; she loves you, cares for you, wants the best for you. Listen to her voice and stop listening to that critical voice that puts you down all the time.

4. Think from the inside out

Work on making yourself a beautiful person on the inside. Be kind (rewind ha! anyone else a 90’s Blockbuster child?), smile at people, make others feel good, and turn yourself into the kind of person you want to be. By doing this, you’ll be happier with your looks on the outside, I can promise you that.

5. Channel a super confident celeb

One of the reasons people think Beyonce is so fabulous is because she herself thinks she’s fabulous. Channel Beyonce when you’re not feeling super hot; strut down the street like the world is your stage and you own it!

6.  Think about the amazing things your body does for you

Do you hate your stretch marks? Think about the baby your body gave birth to.
Hate your thighs? Think about the fact that you can walk, run, swim, climb mountains, and whatever else legs require! Be grateful for everything you are. Appreciate your every limb, and muscle. (The fact that our hearts just beat on their own is still mind-boggling to me!)

7. No perfect body exists

Even Victoria’s Secret angels have things they don’t like about their bodies; we all have our hangups.

My question is, who decides what a perfect body is? Is there one person who one day just decided what we’re all supposed to look like? Embrace yourself for the unique being that you are.

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