logo
g Text Version
Auto
Beauty & Self
Books & Music
Career
Computers
Education
Family
Food & Wine
Health & Fitness
Hobbies & Crafts
Home & Garden
Money
News & Politics
Relationships
Religion & Spirituality
Society & Culture
Sports
Travel & Leisure
TV & Movies

dailyclick
Bored? Games!
Postcards
Astrology
Take a Quiz
Rate My Photo

new
Jokes & Riddles
Astronomy
Philosophy
Public Health
Canadian Culture


dailyclick
All times in EST

Full Schedule
g
g Large & Lovely Site
M. E. Wood
BellaOnline's Large & Lovely Editor

g

Body Image

How we look at ourselves in relation to the world is the basis of body image. There are two kinds of body image. Internal and external. Internal body image is affected by all our senses, not just what we see. It is a subjective experience but is often affected by many outside factors (external body image). Our family, our friends, our co-workers and the media all have an effect on our body image. These outside forces are hard to control.

The good news is we can control what we think of ourselves, at least, with a little practice. Changing our view of ourselves takes a conscious effort. It means being aware of our internal dialogue (what we say in our head i.e. "I'm so stupid") and sometimes replacing it with another thought or if you like affirmation. It can be something as simple as "I am beautiful" or something longer. Live Large is a good book of affirmations on many topics (see related link below for complete review).

Negative self-talk can take a strong root and interrupting it will take practice. It's helpful to use the word "stop" prior to the affirmation. If you're alone you may even say it aloud. There have been times I've had to use it more than once because my internal voice can be quite overbearing.

Taking care of your internal dialogue is a big step in improving your body image but you can't leave it at that. You need to expose yourself to size positive influences (like this site). Hang out with accepting people, stay away from those who are not. Watch shows that promote a positive body image no matter what your size, sex or preference are. And most importantly, when someone calls your body image into question, don't take it. Stand up for yourself. This too takes practice. Call people on their comments and attitudes. You may feel like you're going to pass out the first time you do it but when it's over you'll feel better and more confident having done so. Same goes for the media. Let them have it.

Things you can do to improve your body image:

* Be aware and discourage your negative self talk.

* Ask your friends to call you on your negative self talk when it sneaks into conversations.

* Educate yourself (your family, your friends and your co-workers).

* Expose yourself to body positive reading, viewing and other activities.

* Take five minutes a day and journal all the nasty things you're thinking about yourself at that moment. Crunch it up in a ball and trash it.

* Don't settle for less.

Some sites that encourage a positive body image:

* About Face
* BellaOnline's Large & Lovely
* Don't Tell Me What Size I Must B

***
Lane Bryant Free Ship

Body Love
Live Large
Body Image Affirmation Poster
RSS
Related Articles
Previous Features
Site Map


Content copyright © 2008 by M. E. Wood. All rights reserved.
This content was written by M. E. Wood. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact M. E. Wood for details.

Digg! g delicious Save to Del.icio.us

g


For FREE email updates, subscribe to the Large & Lovely Newsletter


Past Issues


print
Printer Friendly
bookmark
Bookmark
tell friend
Tell a Friend
forum
Forum
email
Email Editor

g features
Annie's Costumes

Big Girl Knits Review

Living XL - Plus Size Products

Archives | Site Map

forum
Forum
email
Contact

Past Issues
memberscenter


vote
Driving Amount
Much more
Slightly more
Slightly less
Much less

g


| About BellaOnline | Privacy Policy | Advertising | Become an Editor |
Website copyright © 2008 Minerva WebWorks LLC. All rights reserved.


BellaOnline Editor