by Ophir Lehavy Busel

Created on: August 12, 2009

You are able to have a beautiful body within minutes. This may seem unattainable or even ridiculous, but having a body you love is possible - through positive self-talk.

The thoughts in our minds, the voices in our heads, create the reality of our lives. Simply stated, you control what you think of yourself. You and only you have the ability to choose your thoughts every second of the day. Isn't that empowering? For example, if you look at yourself in the mirror and criticize what you see, then you will see yourself as flawed. But, if you look at yourself in the mirror and think of how wonderful you are - body, mind, and soul - well then, you become wonderful - no matter what size or shape you may be.

Babies are born automatically loving themselves. Our self-talk changes and develops for most of us as we naturally mature, and become affected by a constant stream of comments and images that influence our self-image. These messages may come from family, friends, doctors, or from the influx of information streamed at us through media. Some of these images and messages may be positive, and more oftentimes than not, there are negative ones mixed in the pile. Please remember though that these images and comments are not the definition of who you are. As a baby is born automatically loving him or herself, you, as an adult, have the capacity for an abundance of self-love.

ACCEPT YOUR BODY AS IT IS RIGHT NOW

One of the first and perhaps most challenging steps to loving our bodies is acceptance. Here's the thing: Our bodies are constantly changing, renewing themselves continuously and automatically, and it's inevitable. New cells replace old ones, toxins are filtered, wounds heal, digestion occurs, breathing happens, and well, aging is a part of life. Once you accept your body - not clinging to what it looked like yesterday or may look like tomorrow - you have reached a great feat. You have accepted your body as it is in the present moment, and that is the only thing that is certain.

We may be able to choose our thoughts, but we cannot choose our bodies. So the best way to having a body you love, is through accepting your body as it is right now.

BE AWARE

What you tell yourself is your reality. By becoming aware of the messages you tell yourself, you can learn to turn those thoughts into positive ones.

Becoming aware of your thoughts and turning them to positive ones takes practice. Try taking a few minutes a day to listen to your thoughts - both positive and

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