How to Love Yourself as You Are

What is a beautiful woman? A tall, thin blonde with pouty lips, almond-shaped eyes, oozing self-confidence while not afraid to show vulnerability? Do you know only 2 percent of the women in the world claim to be happy with their physical appearance? Most women are shy when asked to describe themselves. The saddest part is that they think adjectives such as "sexy, sophisticated, wonderful and stunning" are much too flattering when applied to them. It is time for a revolution. Real beauty is so much more than a pretty face. If you want to cultivate the beauty that never fades, read on.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Refusal to accept the media's concept of beauty
• A well-balanced diet
• A regular exercise program

1. Get rid of the stereotypes. There are no perfect women. Realize the concept of beauty is so ample that it is not subject to artificial improvements, the media and what Hollywood is trying to sell you as their perception of beauty. Every woman is unique, and every woman is beautiful. So are you. Women form a multicolored bouquet of flowers and while they are not all the same in appearance, height, color and weight, like flowers, they are precious. So are you.
2. Realize how valuable you are. A high percentage of girls and women have low self-esteem because of what they consider their physical flaws. The heartbreaking thing is that, because they are so obsessed with meeting the world's pressures and stereotypes, they never reach their full potential. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Do not allow anyone to impose their ideas of beauty upon you. Be bold and live according to the melody playing upon your own heartstrings, not someone else's.
3. Do not try to be like someone else. Be brave and be the person God made you to be. Even if you try to copy another woman's speech, her demeanor and way of dressing, you will only get frustrated for you will never be like her. You will only be a cheap imitation of her. The world doesn't need copy cats or carbon copies of people. It needs you just as you are.
4. Continually strive to improve yourself. Expand your horizons. Keep on learning as much as you can. Take a college class, become a volunteer, learn a new language. Do not remain stagnant. Meet new people. Get to know yourself from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet. Never forget real beauty doesn't come from having the perfect body, for it will fade eventually. That pretty face will one day be lined with wrinkles. However, what will never fade nor get covered in wrinkles is your spirit, your heart. They will only grow more beautiful with time.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember there is nothing wrong with taking care of your body and enhancing your features. The keyword is balance.
• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables everyday.
• Add fish and dairy products to your diet.
• Drink 8 glasses of water everyday.
• Limit your intake of red meat to once or twice a week and eggs 3 times a week.
• Exercise at least 3 hours a week or walk for 1 hour everyday.