I know that I, and society, place a lot of emphasis on the outer you; your physique. I would like to change course a bit for a moment and remind you that it’s not all about just “how you look”. There’s a lot more to “YOU” than just your body and I want to take some time to look at a few other things that are important as well.
Here’s the problem … we all get older, we age, and things may not always be perfect with our physical bodies. I think it’s very important to keep your body looking it’s best and as healthy as possible. However, when “looks” are your ONLY focus, this becomes a very dangerous place. [pullquote]when “looks” are your ONLY focus, this becomes a very dangerous place[/pullquote]
It’s vital that you become more well-rounded in terms of the things you deem important; physically speaking. God forbid anything ever happen to you and you no longer have the beautiful body you now have. When your whole life and all your self-confidence and self-esteem are hinged solely on your looks, you will have a problem.
It’s also important to look at the other areas of your life from which you derive your self-confidence. These are the non-physical aspects of “You” such as:
- Honesty
- Being Genuine
- Being Trustworthy
- Reliable
- Caring
- Loyal
- Successful
- Smart
- Diligent
- Hard worker
- Sympathetic
- Loving
- Kind
- Sense of Humor
It’s important to let go of the idea of hanging your entire self-esteem on “looking good”. You should feel good about yourself and know that you are a good and worthy person because you have all these other traits as well. The non-tangibles and the non-physical things are truly the things in life that are important. In fact, the most important “things” aren’t even “things” at all.
Put your focus on health and the inner you. Cultivate your beauty from the inside out. I know that getting your dream body starts with managing your mind, but it also starts from within in so many ways. Be kind to yourself and appreciate all your blessings. Be grateful for your health and your happiness. Count your blessings. Each morning I set aside time to be thankful for all the good in my life, my wonderful health, my body, and all the other gifts that God provides.
Let go of the idea of looks being everything and focus on your health; inner and outer. Yes, the condition of your physique is important. But, your health is way more important than how you look. Don’t do unhealthy things to get the body you want (starving yourself, de-hydrating, taking weird and dangerous diet drugs). [pullquote]the things that make you an amazing, confident, worthy person do not change[/pullquote] Does gaining or losing ten pounds make you a different person? No, it doesn’t. Your body may change, your clothes size may change, but the things that make you an amazing, confident, worthy person do not change. They are the true you, whether you are a size 16 or a size 6.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” ~World Health Organization, 1948
“If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.” ~Elbert Hubbard
Be a friend to yourself. Don’t take yourself for granted. Appreciate all the great things about you; all the amazing aspects that make up your character and the inner you. Celebrate your health. Celebrate your body. It’s a part of who you are, not all of who you are. It’s definitely important to make sure you stay physically fit and it’s great to be in competition shape and feel amazing about how you look. Just remember that this is not the only thing that defines you. It’s a portion of the magnificent person that you are.
Yes, I place a lot of focus and emphasis on the physical. But I want you to realize that it’s not the end-all, be-all. Having your dream body is fantastic and a worthy goal, just don’t forget to develop and nourish and appreciate all the other fantastic aspects that are part of who you are. Be beautiful. Just be beautiful inside and out.