By EMILY PEREZ
The Women’s Initiative
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
Did you know that September is National Self-Improvement Month? Neither did I! What I find really interesting is that we happen to be at the juncture of two very positive national observances. October 19th is National Love Your Body Day, and as such, the Women’s Initiative would like to encourage everyone to take the entire upcoming month to appreciate themselves and the beautiful bodies that lift, love, walk, run, hug, comfort, dance, jump and just get us to where we need to be each and every day. October 13th from 8pm-11pm is our Love Your Body Late Knight Event, and since we have about two weeks left in September, I would like to use our column this week to establish an eight item list for improving self-image and helping others do the same.
1) Don’t fear the mirror! Every morning look at yourself and think of three things you love about what you see. Mine for the day are: “I love my dark eyes, my full lips and the tiny birthmark on my neck”.
2) Never say something to yourself that you would not say to a friend. Treat yourself as gently and as kindly as you would the most cherished person in your life.
3) Regard all bodies as temples. Just as you would not think to insult the architecture of a church or the elegant sloping lines of a mosque, respect, honor and be humbled by the blessings our bodies give us.
4) Be comfortable; wear clothes that you feel beautiful and safe in. Do not dress for anyone but yourself. Outward appearance is shaped most by how secure you feel on the inside.
5) Keep a favorite positive quote or poem tucked in your wallet. At times of stress, read it. There is no end to the power of language to change us. My own quote happens to be the title of this article, said by the innovative artist Henri Mattise.
6) Trust Yourself. You are the person who knows yourself the best. Always go with your gut instincts; they exist for a reason. Oftentimes if something feels wrong, it is wrong. Trust this and trust your inner voice.
7) Express gratitude. Be grateful for life, the freedoms you enjoy, and the gifts and abilities that are so unique to you. Tell others as often as possible how much you appreciate them for who they are and what they do. Love begets love.
8) Forgive others, forgive yourself. Nothing weighs more heavily on the soul than the burden of a grudge. Let go of these anchors and you will find yourself moving swiftly and freely through life. It can be a difficult process, but there is nothing on this Earth more powerful and liberating than forgiveness.
Now that you have read the list, we at W.I. hope you go out into the rest of your day feeling a little bit lighter. Remember that September and October are not the only months for self reflection; try to carry these positive practices out every single day!
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