Accept Yourself, Your Body Image

"Hey, Jackie, want to go to the beach with us tomorrow?" "I really need to study this weekend. But thanks anyway." She thought to herself, "I wish I could go to the beach, but I can't -- I look like a moose in my bathing suit. It's too embarrassing."

Jackie went back to her room and pulled out last month's issue of Vogue. She leafed through it, thinking, "None of these models have thighs like mine. I wish I was as thin as they are. That would really solve a lot of my problems."

Thoughts similar to these and other self-deprecating feelings about yourself may indicate that you hold a negative image of your body.

In the midst of an acutely body-conscious society, many men and women hold the false notion that their physical appearance somehow doesn't measure up. Standards of good physical health and grooming are important to keep in mind, but impossible ideals of a "perfect body" can bring on feelings of frustration and inferiority.

An individual who becomes overly concerned about his body image may adopt health-endangering practices like the use of steroids, or eating habits that lead to anorexia or bulimia. Meanwhile, the goals being sought, such as excessive muscularity or extreme thinness, might not even be considered attractive by the opposite sex.

Your body awareness is an integral part of your self-image. During childhood and adolescence, when you are formulating your own identity -- that is, your opinion of yourself -- you are very vulnerable to the reactions of friends and family to the many changes your body naturally undergoes.

If you were very sensitive to the comments that others made about your bodily changes, you may have, in turn, become too self-critical and developed a negative view of your body. Instead of making the best of your body with good eating, grooming and exercise habits, you may put yourself down frequently and wish you looked like someone else.

If you feel there are physical characteristics about yourself upon which you would realistically like to improve, you should take steps to do so in a safe and healthy manner. Be proud of yourself by recognizing your motivation to change rather than dwelling on the aspects of your body you dislike.

If you're unhappy with some aspect of your body, why not work on feeling better about the person you are instead of making yourself miserable about who you aren't?

Self-acceptance -- in this instance, accepting your body as it is -- will go a long way toward improving your daily outlook. Here are some tips for improving your self-image:

Keep your body fit -- exercise and a healthy diet make your body look its best.

Wear clothes that are the most flattering to you; don't give in to the latest look if it doesn't look good on you.

Be understanding rather than critical when you notice your particular imperfections.

Make yourself aware of your inner strengths. See in your mind past successes and good deeds, and decide on positive actions for the present and future.

Remember, you are your greatest asset or liability. A poor self-image will only bring you frustration and unhappiness. Accepting yourself can be difficult to do, but it is truly one of the kindest and most positive things you can do for yourself.