by Jaime Lafond

Created on: July 08, 2009   Last Updated: July 09, 2009

After reading several articles on body image and "Accepting your body the way it is," I decided to make a list of what I like, and don't like, about my body. I listed the body parts that I like first and I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had a long list of what I thought to be positive physical attributes. I then started on the list of negatives and I was disappointed to learn that, not only did the body parts that I don't like out-number the parts that I like, I also contradicted my list of positives with "buts":

"I have great legs; but I wish they were more muscular."

"I have a small butt; but it's starting to sag a little."

"I have nice blue eyes; but I wish they were wider."

"I have great skin tone; but I'm dry like a lizard."

"My boobs are perky; but they're small."

"I'm thin; but I'm still soft and flabby."

As I examined my list closely, I realized how absolutely ridiculous I was being. Ninety percent of my complaints could be easily remedied, or at the very least improved, through diet, exercise and diligent personal grooming. I wish my legs were more muscular? I'm soft and flabby? My butt is sagging? This can all be improved with exercise and a healthy diet. Daily moisturizing would help my dry lizard-like skin. Narrow eyes and small boobs are obviously more of a challenge but, if it is really an issue, plastic surgery is always an option - fortunately, for me, it's not that much of a concern.

Despite the obvious absurdity of my thinking, I suspect that I may never completely accept my body the way it is. The thing is; I believe that it is human nature to often want what you don't have, and to not always accept things the way they are. I also believe that, for the most part (excluding the Michael Jacksons' out there), this is actually healthy because it's this desire that motivates people to be the best that they can be - whether it be healthier, smarter, fitter or stronger.

Ultimately, it's not just about accepting your body the way it is, but it is about being realistic. Most of us are dissatisfied with more than one physical attribute, and it is important to distinguish between those that can and can't be changed. I'm fully aware that I will never have thin thighs or a flat stomach; I chose to accept this because rather than focusing on something that can't be changed, I can direct my energy towards changing (improving) the things that can. That being said, I refuse to accept the fact that I have weak thighs and a flabby stomach.

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