How Healthy is it?
I think everyone at one time or another, or maybe still, has had an unhealthy view of how they perceive themselves when they look in the mirror or step on the scale. It seems like every aspect of life is incessantly defined and examined through various outlets of media attention highly focused on body image and the labels that are attached to it.
The negative focus on body image that is determining what is and isn’t beautiful is being projected by way of judgement and it’s so very wrong. We are all individuals, unique only to ourselves, how can one projection of what is beautiful possibly be a one size fits all for everyone, there are distinct pieces of beauty within all of us. You may have had the moment, as I’ve had, of staring in the mirror or at a picture taken and picking out all the imperfections that you see but not everyone sees those specific imperfections. That is the part of us that is searching to measure up to the portrayal of “what beauty is” and it only takes one remark that pokes fun at that soft spot and it can possibly send you down the road of hurt and self-loathing, no one should have to endure that.
I’ve never defined who I associate with based on anything other than the person I see within, we are either compatible or we aren’t, and outward beauty has absolutely nothing to do with it. I don’t believe that beauty is defined simply by appearance, not to say I don’t notice someone at first glance that has physical beauty but the real deal is beneath what we see on the surface. The most significant aspect of a healthy body image starts from the inside out and the main concern should be physical health. As long as your own physical health is not threatened than I say do what pleases you with pride.
Everything in our life affects what we project outwardly and what we project outwardly is a large part of our beauty and can be deeply affected by the positive or negative attitude of choice. From my own experiences, I’ve noticed that I’m drawn to both the positive and negative for two very different reasons.
Those that have a positive attitude and state of being are usually energetic, ambitious and happy, I find their company to be alluring, intoxicating and contagious.
I’m drawn to some (not all) that have a negative attitude because my desire to share, inspire and cultivate the positive is so strong and I do believe that half of that negativity is not being able to see their own beauty.
The effects of other’s opinions can definitely contaminate our personal views of our own body image which then derails our confidence and self-esteem, and that opens up the breeding ground for negativity. That negativity can alter our physical appearance in ways we couldn’t have expected.
How you view your personal appearance is significant to you first, it’s not about what others think you should or shouldn’t wear, eat or shouldn’t eat; it’s about how you feel. I think that when you are feeling most comfortable and healthy within your own skin you will find that the beauty you then project outward will be one of contentment and confidence in:
– Knowing who you are
– Embracing who you are
– Loving who you are
When this point is reached it becomes really easy to let go of the expectations or labels that you may have allowed to temporarily change who you are and that opens the door to a much happier and healthier personal image.
Shelley Hallmark 