Write an article based on this "Recognize that you are "enough. Learn to love the body you have. Drop comparisons. Distance yourself from critical people. Challenge media depictions of beauty. Let go of perfectionism."
" Perhaps you are unable to feel proud of your appearance because you think you have to earn your self-worth through a number of standards. You want to drop 20 pounds. You need to catch the eye of a special someone. Or, your mom finally needs to approve of your clothing choices. What you need to realize is that despite how you look, who notices you, or how you dress, you are already enough. Believing that you are good enough can be much easier said than done. However, if you make the decision to believe this and take action almost daily, you can start to internalize this belief. Whenever you feel less than good enough, repeat this to yourself like a mantra: "I am good enough." Say it again and again until you start to feel that it's true. This can be much easier said than done. Still, when you reach a point of self-love for who you are at this very moment, it's priceless. Say you have a scar that you don't like on your chin. Want to love it? Think about the fact that your scar symbolizes that you were stronger than whatever tried to harm you. Here are some other ways to learn to love your body: Stand in the mirror and look at the body part you don't like. Search for something positive about it. If you don't like the shape of your nose, maybe you can relish in the fact that it is free of blackheads. Do this daily until you start to criticize this body part less and less. Soothe your body regularly. Take long, relaxing baths. Get a manicure or pedicure. Try a new hairstyle or haircut. Visit the spa for a massage. Wear comfortable, flattering clothing. Don't feel the need to hide behind your clothes. Choose fabrics, styles, and colors that play on your best assets. If you dress in clothing that is fashionable and that fits you correctly, you will automatically feel more pulled together. You check out your best friend and notice how tall he's grown, and think to yourself "I'm too short." You see your sister's new outfit and then comment that your own outfit looks "ugly." You may not be sure why you do this, but one thing is for certain: comparisons sabotage your happiness and self-esteem. Consider these reasons why you should stop this destructive habit: You gain nothing from comparisons, but jeopardize your passion, pride, and dignity. Taking this route will always ensure that you are the loser, as there will always be someone who is better than you in some way (e.g. taller, prettier, smarter, etc.). Doing this removes the power of individuality and assumes everyone's interests, style, and journey should be alike. You have no real way of knowing what the other person's life is really like. You are comparing your own worst to your perception of someone else's best. Your thoughts about yourself may not always be founded in your own beliefs. You also develop your self-concept from the nonstop judgments and criticisms you get from others. A close friend or family member who constantly puts you down or talks about your appearance can make it difficult for you to take pride in how you look. One of the biggest factors influencing your happiness and emotional well-being is how others treat you. Here's how to deal with an overly critical person: Create boundaries if the relationship causes you to feel bad about yourself. Turn down invitations and spend less time with the person. Carefully select with whom you share your intimate thoughts and feelings. If a person doesn't value what you have to say, refrain from sharing. Keep this individual on a need-to-know basis. If you spend a great deal of time watching television shows, scrolling down social media timelines, or thumbing through beauty and fashion magazines, these media sources could be affecting the way you view your own sense of beauty. The way women and men are portrayed through media may cause you to judge and compare yourself, despite the fact that these images have been retouched or Photo-shopped. Our self-esteem and confidence take a major hit from this nonstop judgment and comparison. Choose to limit the exposure you have to unrealistic representations of human bodies and beauty. Instead, make an effort to uplift real images of humanity, in all shapes and sizes. If you have a tendency to strive for perfection, this mentality could be preventing you from feeling a sense of pride about your appearance. Each time you look in the mirror, you find a shortcoming. Each time someone compliments you, you mention what needs work rather than expressing gratitude or self-satisfaction. Setting high standards for yourself is a self-defeating habit that will continually undermine your happiness. Overcome perfectionism by doing the following: When you catch yourself having exceptionally high standards, be realistic. Remind yourself that no one is perfect and that being human means making mistakes. Say to yourself "Just do your best!" Expose yourself to your fears. For example, if you worry about going out without makeup, make a commitment to try to do just that. First, go out without lipstick or gloss. Then, forego foundation. Finally, go out without anything but a clean, fresh face. Periodically, repeat to yourself, "You are beautiful just the way you are". Did any of your fears come to fruition? Did people laugh or taunt you?