Love Your Self – it might seem like a great concept, but how can you put it into practice, when you struggle with body image issues? You might think, “I will love myself when ___.” Fill in the blank: I lose xx pounds, my thighs don’t jiggle, I have flat abs, my arms are toned, I can fit into my skinny jeans… When I sculpt/mold/change my body into… what?
The perfect body. What is this, anyway? Would your body ever be good enough? Or, despite the changes that you make to your body, would you continue to have body image issues? What if your body is already good enough, just the way it is?
The body others love. Whose love are you really seeking? Is it worth it to become someone you are not in order to get others’ praise? If others love your body, would you love your body? Or, would you continue to have body image issues? What if your body is already lovable, just the way it is?
The body that is fit. Who determines what fitness is? If you can run a mile, 6 miles, or 26 miles? What does fitness look like? Even if you’re a fitness model, would you still have body image issues? What if your body has its own powerful abilities, just the way it is?
The body that fits in. Are you looking to fit into society’s standards of beauty? Do you really want to just blend in with the crowd? If you look just like everyone else, would you be happy? Or, would you still have body image issues? What if your body is beautiful in its own unique way, just the way it is?
The body that gets what it wants. Want a new job, new relationship, new life? Do you want your body to be used like a lure to get these things? Would you keep changing your body until you get them? Even if you could use your body to get what you want, would you still have body image issues? What if you are more than your body, and by being your True Self you can attract anything you desire?
Your True Self is your Whole Self – body, mind, heart and soul. Pause for a moment to reflect about these different aspects of your Self – and see if you can find one quality about each that you like. Maybe you value your heart-quality of being a good friend. Perhaps you appreciate your mind-quality of being a good writer. Possibly you enjoy your spiritual-quality of connection with nature. And, you just might like your smile.
Liking Your Self is a great place to start – keep thinking of one new quality you like about your Whole Self every day, and Loving Your Self will follow!
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©2016 by “Dr. Dorie” McCubbrey, MSEd, PhD, LPC, CEDS – the Owner & Clinical Director of Positive Pathways. If you struggle with eating disorders and alcohol/drug abuse, you may be interested to join Dr. Dorie’s NEW 12-Week Recovery Group which will address body image, intuitive eating, healthy coping skills, relapse prevention, and living free of ALL addictions. Learn more and register: http://positivepathways.com/workshops-and-groups
Want to discover more about LEARNING TO LOVE OUR BODIES? Join this 8-week group which will use journal writing, art therapy and group discussion to deepen a sense of Self-Love. Learn more and register: http://positivepathways.com/workshops-and-groups
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Interested in a FREE CONSULTATION? Dr. Dorie would like to get to know you and give you feedback about Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ and other treatment options at Positive Pathways. Call 720-606-3242 or learn more: http://positivepathways.com/free-consultation/
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