by Erin Lewis

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

In a society that is inundated with images of stick thin celebrities, fame and fortune granted to the young and beautiful, how are those of us who are just "normal" supposed to develop a sense of worth for the body that we were given in this life?

It is a part of human nature to compare ourselves to those around us. We look at others lifestyles, homes, clothes, bodies, and we long for what we do not have. Everyone must be happier than I am. If only I had her body I would be perfectly happy.

Society has created an illusion of perfection that none of us can live up to. No matter how tall we are, no matter how much weight we lose, no matter how many colors we dye our hair or things we nip and tuck, we will never be the vision of perfection that is tweaked and airbrushed and pasted across publications as far as the eyes can see. We are cursed with individuality. Each of us is different and unique and we are not made from a cookie cutter pattern. Realizing this and accepting it is the first key in learning to love the body that you have been given.

True love for one's body, however big, small, thin, or tall that it might be, comes from learning to use it to pursue one's passion and happiness. Recognition of one's capabilities and what one's body offers them on a daily basis takes away the contempt and jealousy and replaces it with appreciation and gratitude. My body is able to run a mile. My body has taken me up a 14,000 foot mountain. My body allows me to write for hours and hours and is dependable when I am on my feet working all day. I ate too much today but how grateful I am that I have a functioning body that can prepare food and genuinely enjoy it.

Despite changing one's mindset, occasionally the dark thoughts and fantasies of perfection will creep into our minds. It is at these times when we are drowning in self pity that we must focus our energy on things that will benefit our bodies rather than harm them. Put the beer down and take a walk. Sit quietly alone and breathe deeply. Replace the cigarette with a pen and write.

Stop hiding from yourself and go look in the mirror, but when you look, really look. Look at what makes you unique. What are the good qualities that others are able see in you but you do not often see in yourself? Look at your naked body and instead of focusing on the flaws that we all have, find the beauty, find the distinction. Hug yourself close and say thank you. Thank your body for keeping you alive from day to day, for doing things that don't necessarily come easily to others.

Remember that even though you think that everyone is noticing those extra twenty pounds that you put on this year, in reality everyone is more focused on themselves and what you are thinking of them. You are not perfect. I am not perfect. None of the celebrities you see on television are real. You have been given just one life and one body and the only thing you are capable of controlling is your perception. Will it make you happier to perceive yourself as imperfect or as exceptional?

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