{via pinterest; originally from here}

Sally from Already Pretty recently wrote a post on style strengths. (By the way, if you’re not familiar with her blog, check it out; it’s seriously amazing.)

She says:

…there are some things we’ve nailed. Some things we do so well that we could do them half asleep. Some things that have become trademarks, and that we take tremendous pride in executing perfectly. Let’s chat about THOSE things, shall we?

After reading her post, I immediately thought about body image. Cultivating a positive body image is a process, but over time, there are parts of the process that we, too, have nailed down. Parts that seem a bit easier now. Positive parts that come to us automatically.

For instance, yesterday, I said that I don’t really yearn to have other people’s bodies anymore. That was a biggie for me. I used to hate my bulging, no-good belly – that’s what it was in my eyes – and I’d yearn for others’ flat, flawless abs.

It’s also a biggie because I tend to compare myself to others still. But the fact that I’ve embraced my body has become a strength.

I also don’t let the scale determine my worth anymore. I only participate in physical activities that I enjoy, and I’ve become a lot more active because it truly makes me feel strong, happy and alive. This is very different from the years I hated exercise and only saw it as a vehicle for weight loss.

I listen to my body as best as I can when it comes to eating, exercising and just living in general.

Regardless of the state of your body image, I bet there are some, if not many, things that you’re doing well, too.

Maybe you’ve stopped seeing women’s magazines as gospel and started questioning their content. Maybe you’ve tossed your bathroom scale.

Maybe you’ve stopped fat-talking in front of your family, especially your kids.

Maybe you’ve decided to focus on healthy habits, instead of your weight or dress size. Or you’ve found a physical activity that feels fantastic. Or you’ve started talking about your feelings with good friends, instead of letting emotions consume you.

Maybe you focus more on enjoying life, and less on your body’s supposed flaws. Or you’ve broadened your definition of beauty. Or you’ve started taking your time with meals, savoring their smells, tastes and textures.

When you sit down to think about it, I bet you’ve accumulated quite the list of strengths. So, today, let’s focus on these positives, and celebrate how far you’ve come!

What are your body image strengths? Let’s celebrate them below!

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    Last reviewed: 2 Sep 2011