I’ve decided to take a break from workouts and fitness centers. This week, I want to talk about self-confidence, self-beauty, self-respect, and self-acceptance. To be healthy, you need to have a healthy relationship with yourself.
I was inspired to write about this topic from an event I attended today. There was poet who spoke about Cosmopolitan girls, those girls in a magazine that we all try to compare ourselves to. We all do, even males; we compare ourselves to the Barbie who sits in front of us in broadcasting or that dude in the gym with huge biceps.
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Don’t think about what others might see or how you don’t look like those girls or guys on TV and in magazines. We’re not all airbrushed models. Focus on what is beautiful about yourself, your body. Do you have your mother’s eyes or your father’s broad shoulders? Focus on that aspect of yourself.
Every time you go to the bathroom
or are at the gym, look into the mirror and be proud of yourself. Be proud that you’re not simply one of thousands of models or movie stars who simply blend in with one another. When you become comfortable with yourself, your self-confidence will show through, making you just that much more beautiful, handsome.
Self-respect. I believe this is the most important quality of the four. Without self-respect, how do you expect anyone else to respect you? I see males and females, especially at college, get drunk and make fools out of themselves or hook up with random people.
Unfortunately, for females who have hooked up, they are considered sluts or a whores whereas a male gets a high five. It’s not fair, but it happens. It does not mean that a one- night stand should define who you are or the way you view yourself. Keep your head high and move on. Prove to yourself that you overcame a mistake and be proud of learning from that mistake.
Maybe hooking up is your way of feeling connected to someone or cared about, but that’s not the way it works. Hookup buddies do not end well; eventually one of you will get hurt. Have respect for yourself and walk away. This will help your emotional health. Learn to be okay with being along and enjoy your own company. The moment you begin to depend on yourself, you will gain more respect for how strong you truly are.
When you come to terms with your self-confidence, self-beauty and self-respect, this is when you will finally find self-acceptance. You will accept yourself for who are. That male or female in the mirror is special, because it’s you and only you can choose to accept that. Only you can shape the image people see, show them your true beauty. Smile.