Do you think you'd be happier if you were prettier, thinner, or taller? If you have, you're not alone. We're all subject to self-judgement: 92% of American women want to change some aspect of their physical appearance - especially their weight or shape (according to the Dove study).

Research on plastic surgery and weight loss participants shows that being more beautiful and thin doesn't lead to happiness. What does? It depends on you. What do you love to do or experience? Whatever it is, it's not likely to be connected to your appearance, size, or shape.

Cultivating Your Inner Beauty
Inner beauty goes beyond your physical traits to something that radiates from within. It's ageless, timeless, lace and fineness (okay, I got carried away by some Rod Stewart lyrics there) – but inner beauty has nothing to do with your size and shape.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art40689.asp

72 Things That Will Make Your Life Better
Treating yourself with kindness, respect, and tenderness will improve your body image, soften your relationships with others, and increase your motivation to achieve your goals. Start here, start now!
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29206.asp

Have a great time cultivating who you are on the inside and making your life better!

Take care,
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen, Body Image Editor
http://bodyimage.bellaonline.com