Body Image: That Certain Something
If someone asked you to describe yourself, what would you say? It's a pretty safe bet  you wouldn't describe yourself as perfect. According to the American Psychological Association, about 40 percent of us are somewhat unhappy with our appearance. And the problem with body image starts early. Almost half of American kids  in the first through third grade want to be thinner. Pressure to be perfect can come from a lot of different places. It can come from those countless ads and television shows we see every day. And body image is about more than just weight. The cosmetic image industry tries to sell us the idea that we need to improve our skin tone, hair color and hair style. The clothing industry tells us each year that to look good, we need to change our wardrobes. What can you do? Quit dissecting your body. Stop pointing out all the flaws you see and instead love the entire you. Eating that piece of chocolate cake every now and then isn't going to kill you. Quit the negative self talk about yourself. Try pampering yourself. Treat yourself to a facial or pedicure. Take care of your appearance. Wear clothes that flatter your figure. Stop waiting until you loose a few more pounds before buying something you love. What you really need to do is take off these rose colored glasses. Take a look at the other real people around you. The majority who you see aren't models. Appreciate the beauty of your own body. And take a break from comparing yourself with what you're seeing in here.