Importance of a positive self-image

Self confidence, self esteem, positive body image... the list goes on and on and on. Regardless of the individual topic at hand we can all agree on the overall importance of a positive self image. So with the obvious stated, my question is...

If we already know this... Why do we still allow everything on the outside to affect how we feel about ourselves on the inside. Not many people are unaffected by this barrage of images that tell us what we should be and what is beautiful or attractive. Think you're one of the unaffected? Think you can honestly say you are comfortable with you and how the world perceives you?

Take the test and then answer the question.

With every thing stripped away; the make-up, the clothes, the contacts, manicures, push up bras, waist cinchers, spanxx, contacts, hair enhancements (we're talking wash and go baby)... Tell me, in just shorts and a tank with none of the above how comfortable are you with yourself. Could you answer the door that way? Could you go out in public? What would you feel uncomfortable about if you did?

My whole point of this flurry of questions is this...

It's fine to enhance ourselves with all of these extras to help boost our self image. However, it is another thing to rely on them to make us feel acceptable to ourselves and the world around us. Instead of grabbing for this crutch as an easy fix, address the reason why you feel you need it in the first place.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you shouldn't ever put on make-up or rock contacts or anything like that. What I am saying is be comfortable with yourself never allow these things to become what makes you beautiful to you.

So what does this mean?

Invest in yourself and not things to hide yourself!

Feel like your nose is too big? Before contouring it with make-up or considering a nose job... try watching a slideshow daily of people you think are beautiful with big noses. See how you look at yourself after 30-days.

Feel like your stomach or thighs are too big? Before stuffing yourself into body slimmers and considering lipo invest in yourself! Go for a hour walk everyday, drink more water and eat more veggies for 30-days then see how you feel.

Feel like you can't accept your natural hair? Before weaving it up, relaxing it out or braiding it back try wash and wear for 1 week. Wet set it in rollers or bantu knots or even two strand twist. The point of this is to find something beautiful about your hair by itself before adding all of the extras.

I promise you, when you address what you feel is a short-coming before masking it you'll see yourself in an entirely new light... a more confident and positive one.

-GokiChan
Mega Pinky Love Style