Have you ever woken up disgusted with your body? I certainly have. In fact, I’ve been in a funk about it lately. However, looking at this picture helps. I love the caption “I am imperfect!” Aren’t we all? So why we feel inferior over our perceived imperfections? For me, it’s my face. When I have a bad acne breakout, I get depressed. Just looked in the mirror becomes a painful experience filled with self-hatred and shame. When it’s really bad, make-up won’t even cover it up and I feel like you can connect the dots. Plus it’s physically painful.
Now, I’m a 35 year old adult, so acne isn’t supposed to still plague me… I mean it’s a teen age thing; right? Wrong! Millions of adults are or have been afflicted with various forms of Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, Hives, Rosacea, Cold Sores, skin tags, Athletes Foot, moles, Liver Spots, Melasma, Warts, non-cancerous growths called Seborrheic Keratoses, and various rashes from plants to viruses or allergies to medications. Then there is extreme dry, oily, or combination skin that fluctuates with monthly hormonal changes or before/during/after menopause.
The bottom line is, overcoming body blues can be done. It all starts with a choice and a refusal give into it societal pressure to look younger ideal or perfect. Stop buying into race-consciousness (society’s collective beliefs) and realize that beauty starts on the inside. It really is a matter of perspective. Today, declare a moratorium (break) with your body and give it some love. Overcome the body blues with self-compassion and acceptance. Recite positive affirmations to re-train your brain to believe positive messages about your body. For example:
I love and accept myself. I appreciate my body for all that it does to keep me alive, active, and mobile.
I am more than my body (or skin/fat/etc); I am a Spiritual Being living a human experience.
I am beautiful; inside and out, regardless of appearances!
I am more than clothing size.
Now..here is the hard part. Affirm whatever area you most diss-like. For me today, it’s my face. So mine is- “I love and accept my face.” (Although this is hard to accept at first, it tends to change my perspective of my face and then my body begins responding by healing my skin) Give it a try. Look into your eyes at first and pretend you are talking to your best friend. Would you ridicule them; or be understanding and unconditionally loving? Give yourself the same respect and love.
Overcome your body blues today by taking one small step toward acceptance and love. Notice the changes as a result. While these may not be immediate, they will come. Our body knows how to heal itself and responds to positive messages.
Comment and let me know how this works for you!
Namaste,
Lisa
dry or oily skin,
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