How to Improve Your Body Image and Self Esteem

How do you feel about the shape you are in? Do you "hate" your body? Our bodies do a lot for us, carrying us through each day. Unfortunately, negative self image and old tapes can sabotage our attempts to like ourselves. These same forces can even sabotage you when you are attempting to change your body. Whether you want to change your body or just come to terms with where you are, it's time to start accepting and appreciating your body. The following are a few truths that will help you improve your self image.

The first truth is that practically no one is completely satisfied with their body or their looks. Would it surprise you to know that in a recent interview Nicole Kidman spent a good amount of time speaking about how she had always wished she looked differently?.. Many people would say that she is a beautiful woman with a beautiful shape. It seems Nicole spends a good amount of time wishing that she had the curves of Marilyn Monroe. The point is that the vast majority of people wish they could change some, or many things about themselves. Nor does a person's appearance really equate to their level of self acceptance. A person you think looks fine may really, really dislike their body, their appearance, themselves. Realize that focusing on our physical flaws can be a way to distract us from looking at other life issues. When it is too scary to change other things in our lives, we may revert to harping on something we feel we "should" be able to control, our bodies. If you are waiting till "when" ( when you are thin enough, pretty enough, fit enough, anything enough) to really live your life recognize that for what that is: a diversion to keep you safe from going after what you want out of life. If diet and exercise are your life's main focus, you are missing out.