As some of us will be creating familiar New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, get fit—look & feel better, it reminds me of a documentary I recently saw on America’s obsession with unrealistic beauty/brawny standards. It was extremely well done, mainly following a 12 year old female model, who is portrayed as the “ultimate woman” (in some designer’s eyes); with clips of further thought provoking commentary in between.
Newsflash…feeling and looking better is an inside job; what ya’ got, right now, IS GOOD ENOUGH! This, I can promise you. When you start to feel better on the inside, your outsides are bound to look better; in everyway. That is mentally & physically, to you and to others.
So, it’s no surprise that I am suggesting we make different resolutions this year, like:
- Start a weekly BOOK CLUB devoted to self-help books. Make your very first selection Louise Hay’s, “You Can Heal Your Life.” It is a step by step practice in loving the self: mantras, self-talk, practical exercises, etc. You can read the book alone, but when I did it several years ago it was my friends who helped each other to stay on track, focused, and motivated.
- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—VOLUNTEER. There are so many fun and rewarding ways to volunteer your time; find out which ones are for you. It’s the greatest gift you could ever give. It is also great to stay busy, but only when doing other’s work-that’s right, NOT your own. Volunteering keeps me out of my own head (a scary neighborhood-ha!) and always keeps me feeling good from the inside-out.
- DANCE—not in any professional form. Everyone can and should dance. Put on your favorite toe tapping beats, stand up and let the rhythm move you. You CAN dance—this I promise too. And, by the way, the more uncoordinated it looks—the better! And try it, eventually, in front of a mirror and laugh, be kooky, have fun; soon you’ll be taping yourself and putting it on YouTube—Hmmmmm…
Also, I am all for adult, healthy decision based enhancements—it’s a personal choice, but alas—it won’t make you like what you see or feel any better. Only will internal work—whaaap whammmmm—sorry folks, it’s the truth. So get out there and love you best in 2010; you’re the only one who can do it.
http://americathebeautifuldoc.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Hay
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download
