This path is one of constant change and growth. It is also a bit frustrating because it can be a process of one step forward and two steps back. Thankfully, I know that when you find yourself regressing after a period of change it usually means that you're on the right track.
Self Love ~
By Stacy Ruttan
O
ne of the things I am currently struggling with in my life right now is accepting and loving myself exactly the way I am. For me this means being able to look in the mirror and say "I feel good about myself and the way I look." For most of my teenage years and adult life I have either hated or ignored my body. So now comes the wonderful and challenging process of learning to love it! We are three part beings - body, mind and spirit. I want my life to be a balance of all three, and thankfully it is beginning to happen. It is not an easy path to walk, however, because I've been going in the opposite direction for so long. But I am willing to do the work necessary to break a new path.
This path is one of constant change and growth. It is also a bit frustrating because it can be a process of one step forward and two steps back. Thankfully, I know that when you find yourself regressing after a period of change it usually means that you're on the right track. Your safety checks kick in and push you backwards a little bit. It is simply a part of the journey.
Fortunately, this is a good indicator that you are on the right track - even if it seems discouraging at the time. Keep on with what you are doing, and you will reap the benefits of what you have sown. I have gotten to that point a few times in this process because the negative thoughts and images are deeply ingrained in my mind.
I'm happy to say, however, that I know some effective tools to keep myself focussed and positive. Some of them include positive affirmations, visualization (or daydreaming), prayer, meditation and journaling. As well, there is a wonderful book that is helping me along this path. It's called "I Had It All the Time" by Alan Cohen, and I highly recommend it to anyone along a path of growth and change. It is about learning to accept that we have all the answers we need inside of us, and that we needn't look any further than our own heart to find them.
You know how so many people say that what really matters is on the inside. Unfortunately, so many only see their own toxicity on the inside, when what they really need to see is the light and love of Spirit. I was one of those people - by my very own standards, and am now in the process of changing them. Life is about the love that you give to yourself and others. Let that be the path to finding out you are your own best friend!
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Body and Self Image
