Self Image Spring Clean

Self Image Spring Clean, by Deborah Dora

I do compare myself with others. I know better. I've studied and taught Body Confidence for the last twelve years, so when my little critic appears she says things like:

"She's thinner, cuter, or richer than I am. There will always be someone thinner, better dressed, etc. than me."

As spring approaches and I begin my mental spring cleaning, I must start with these thoughts and my critic. A technique I use and teach is called "STOP/NEXT." I say "STOP" to the thoughts that are comparative and destructive, and then I let in the "NEXT" thought. I encourage the next thought to be an affirmation. Here are some examples:

"I am a beautiful creation."
"I deserve the abundance of the universe."
"My body is perfect the way it is."

Practice this with yourself. I want you to fully appreciate and accept your uniqueness.

Use the mini-reflection exercise below to help you spring clean your thoughts. Gain more tools for accepting yourself in Deborah's Body Confidence workshop.

Mini-Reflection Exercise

Take Action
Spring clean your thoughts! This is a great exercise to add to your literal spring cleaning.

While you're deciding where to donate and dispose of your old clothes, shoes and tires, I suggest you deposit thoughts such as "she's thinner, cuter, richer than me" into a container that says "no longer needed."

Finish this spring cleaning by celebrating YOU -- there is no one else in the world like you.