A positive body image goes beyond liking your looks. It encompasses taking good care of yourself and leading a fulfilling life. In this weekly series, I share some of my favorite posts from some of my favorite bloggers on this topic. Sometimes I also share relevant pieces that I’ve written on the Web. Hope you find these links inspiring!

What to do instead of numbing out.

7 damaging myths about self-care.

I’m starting a new series here on Weightless, where I’ll share a quote, comment or passage from another resource. Think of it as a kind of nugget to ponder, a morsel to nibble on; questions to explore when you have a few moments to yourself.

These questions will mostly focus on delving into your relationship with your body and yourself.

{I’ve always wanted to see these flowers in person. I finally did in Connecticut!}

Last week I was up north visiting my family and friends. I had a wonderful time. And while we stayed busy, there were certainly pockets of relaxation (like when we went to Connecticut and spent all day in a park).

But I’m a creature of habit. I thrive on routines (with some flexibility and freedom in between).

While I was away, I had very little structure. My sleeping, eating and exercise patterns zig-zagged.

So it’s not surprising that when I got back to Florida, I didn’t feel relaxed. I was uptight and edgy.

{Taken last week in Brooklyn, NY}

In the spring we start cleaning out our closets and other spaces in our homes. We get rid of clothes and other items that don’t fit into our lives, anymore. We re-organize and create spaces that help us feel relaxed and refreshed.

The springtime is also a a great time to make other assessments: to re-evaluate our self-care routines.

{via etsy by birdandbloke}

Today, I’m republishing an old piece on what people with a positive body image know. I’ve edited it and added a few more points. I hope you enjoy it!

I used to think that people who are thin and muscular (and thereby fit our odd, ridiculous Western standards) absolutely love their bodies. How could they not?

I also used to think that I couldn’t love or even like or even accept my body until I lost weight, until I actually deserved to love it. In my current shape, it just wasn’t right to have a healthy body image. I had to be ashamed instead.

{via etsy by Emily Reiter}

Every Monday features a tip, activity, inspiring quote or some other tidbit that helps boost your body image, whether directly or indirectly — and hopefully kick-starts your week on a positive note!

Got a tip for improving body image? Email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com, and I’ll be happy to feature it. I’d love to hear from you!

I’m a big fan of Rachel Cole’s writing and her emphasis on identifying and feeding our truest hungers. It’s made me re-evaluate how I relate to myself and my own life. Because if we don’t know our hungers, how can we lead a fulfilling and satisfying life?

{via etsy by Jessica Renee}

A positive body image goes beyond liking your looks. It encompasses taking good care of yourself and leading a fulfilling life. In this weekly series, I share some of my favorite posts from some of my favorite bloggers on this topic. Sometimes I also share relevant pieces that I’ve written on the Web. Hope you find these links inspiring!

Mara reveals why self-care is not a punishment.

Today, I’m super excited to share our interview with blogger and wordsmith Alexandra Franzen on how she practices self-love. Mara and I started our self-love interview series with the intention to share what self-love looks like for a variety of amazing women around the world. We not only want to demystify self-love; we want to empower you to experience it.

I love Alex’s enthusiasm and energy and her powerful, interesting and unique way with words. Her pieces always inspire me to pick up my pen and take great care of myself.

I remember reading her piece about investing in yourself in Julie’s e-book Build Your Biz and Blog with Love, which is all about how self-love can help you build an inspiring and profitable business and blog.

{via etsy by Johanna Pabst}

“Your relationship with your self is the most important relationship you’ll ever have. It forms the basis for every other relationship in your life, making you the mother, sister, partner and friend that you are.

On that note, there is nothing wrong with being ‘self-centered’. I’m a firm believer in putting your oxygen mask on first. If you can’t breathe you’re no use to anyone else. That doesn’t mean ignore everybody else — just don’t ignore you.”

Those are Susannah’s beautiful and brilliant words from her post  on the 40 lessons she’s learned in her 40 years. And I couldn’t agree more.

{via etsy by Lori}

Recently a reader who’s planning her own wedding emailed me with an important question about self-love: how do you practice self-love when so many things around you essentially suggest the opposite?

The problem is that in our culture weddings have become less about love and more about looks, losing weight, matching napkin rings and sky-high expectations.