by J.D. Wood

Created on: March 12, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Here we reach a split in the path you want to take... you do still have an option.

You can accept your body the way it is. Sure, you can. We all can. But should we? That's the deeper question.

When you eliminate the way we are predisposed to perceive our bodies... that is, as a work in progress... you effectively give up. Why should you give up on improving yourself? Just because you are not the image of perfection does NOT mean you shouldn't love yourself. Accepting your body and loving yourself are two totally different (and perhaps contradictory) actions.

When you are very young, you have nowhere to go but up. Your body will improve... its basically a given.

When you are in your early 20s, you are at your genetic prime... if you simply leave it to nature and pursue your daily routine in blind indifference, you will probably never get any more attractive. That doesn't mean you cannot love yourself. It is just a safe bet.

So love yourself. Really. But don't give up on improvements... join a gym, if that motivates you. Get up and move. Eat less. Move more. You will save on medical costs over the long term. You will save on food. You will be able to wear hotter fashions. Pick your reason... but trust me. Once you start working that body out, you'll be amazed at what it can become.

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