by Alex Witnish

Created on: May 17, 2008

Body image.
It affects us all, some people eat away at themselves for not having the perfect body.
What does the perfect woman look like? People these days have an unrealistic expectation of what the average woman should be.
Who are they to judge? Every woman in this world shouldn't be scrutinized, as well as males on their appearance and how many extra pounds they have.

How can you call models role models? They give people of a younger generation the wrong idea. Stick thin is in! Where's the realism in that?
Body image has always been a major issue in my life. I always brought myself down, judging every detail of my body I disliked. Guess what I am not stick thin, I am not hugely obese, I'm proud of myself, and others who have finally come to this realization that, who are we changing ourselves for? To make surrounding people less judgmental. We shouldn't live our life for everyone else but merely ourselves.

Celebrities... they have a major impact on our body image, our self-confidence and our mental state. As much as we love them and the way they look, you hate them at the same time. You say 'why can't I look like her?'
Celebrities though are being closely watched every single day, so they think they have to look their best. They would still feel the pressure to keep their body perfect. That's okay if they feel they have to do it for their personal wellbeing, but the people watching are getting the wrong message.
They have to figure out for themselves what they want to look like without the massive input of so-called 'perfect' people.

I have many scars on my body. I hid them, was ashamed of them and hated myself for having them. They are a part of me now. I still feel conscious about them. But I can't change it. I have to accept that it's a part of my body and me. I used moisturizer and actually still do. This was in the hope that the scars might eventually fade. It might but never fully. I don't parade them around but I am not as critical about what I wear anymore. It makes me the way I am.

I am not as demeaning to my body now. I finally stuck to a plan for me that really does work.
If anyone needs guidance on losing a few extra pounds, if you really can't stop picking at your body, try this. The feeling afterwards feels like you have accomplished something.
I can't say it makes you lose weight, but over time it should tighten and produce greater tone definition.
Weights- Start off small, slowly build-up. For the first 2 weeks try lifting 5-10 kilos then when you think you are ready, slowly increase the weight.
Boxing- It is great for the soul! I use it as a stress release after having a bad day. Obviously it also tones your bicep muscle region.

Only do this if necessary, keep in mind, I'm not judging you. The decision with what you do about your body is entirely up to you. We are all perfect in some way. Don't be afraid to tell this to yourself, say it until you believe it!

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