Love Yourself!

As I'm sitting here in my living room under a quilt and dreaming of a hot summer, it suddenly dawns on me that summer means a lot less clothes; therefore a lot MORE attention being drawn to our bodies (ladies I'm talking to you!). Whilst I am 95% happy with my physique there is always that 5% little devil on my shoulder that whispers in my ear telling me I should be thinner, have better skin, and simply be more attractive. This is a general attitude that most girls get believing they should look a 'certain way'. 

I know that I speak for most women where on some occasions (maybe not all the time...) where you want to change something about yourself. It may just be something you've picked up on that day, but it could be far worse and can end up completely ruining your self confidence and self esteem. I recently read something that shocked me... it said "Even girls who are an average UK size 12 still think that they are fat." I'm a size 12 myself, but I believe it is a sensible weight and I am extremely proud to have an hourglass figure that most people dream of having (there I said it - confidence!) I recently said to some of my female family members that I'd be joining the gym soon simply to "tone up a little" - they all rolled their eyes and said they wish they had my figure and I "didn't need to go". I believe this ideology of wanting to be thinner and more 'beautiful' has grown since Hollywood and the media have been slating and ridiculing women who are anything above a UK size 8 (which is very common and natural these days). 

Does no one remember the good old days where iconic women such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe were looked upon and desired as being glamorous representations of a lady being happy and confident in their own skin? This belief is what made them so appealing, and this is why people wanted to be just like them. These are the kinds of people we need in today's society. People to look up to. Where it is OK to not be stick thin size 0's and to be seen eating whatever the hell they want because they feel like it! 

A few steps to put some self confidence back into your life: 

1. Realise what it is that makes you insecure and instead of hiding away, try to embrace these insecurities. It's what makes you different after all! 
2. "No one is perfect" - remember this.
3. Instead of focusing on the negative, find out what it is that makes you smile. This could be anything ranging from a particular talent you have to something you love doing.
4. Accept what you HAVE and learn to appreciate it...finding inner strength will do wonders for your spirit and mind.
5. Learn to accept a compliment - even write it down so you can look at it once in a while.
6. Help others - in doing so you will see a huge difference to your self esteem :)

Beauty shines through when you are happy! Xx