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Self Image is a building block that affects all areas of our life from our emotions to how we deal with others. It is the core and identity of our being. How we perceive ourselves can be our greatest strength or our biggest weakness.

This has made me think about my 7 year old daughter and another child who feel that they are not wanted because of their skin color and the fact that they suffer with eczema. They both have a great personality and are beautiful, but our society has been instilling in them the "Perfect" body and skin color.They don't fit the stereotypical mold of perfect body image.

How can this be possible at this young age?

Image, or how we perceive ourselves, can be hard on the mind. It can interfere with our life because it becomes the focus of our thoughts. Then if we don't like ourselves, it leads to poor self esteem. You feel you are non-deserving and become depressed. This in turn will affect your relationship with others.

So, as I sat with my daughter, I had to really get through to her. She is, after all only 7 years old with her whole life ahead of her. She needs to start thinking for herself and not worrying about what others are saying or doing for that matter. You have to go on living your purpose in life.

How to have a Healthy Self Image:

You need to celebrate your uniqueness-
Start listing all the things you like about yourself and what makes you special, whether it is your beautiful eyes, smile, hair, etc. or even your thoughtfulness and kindness to others and celebrate those strengths. Ask your closest friend to tell you what they love about you. Write little affirmations to yourself, such as "You are Beautiful", "You Rock" and place these on your mirror or anyplace you might see them daily.

Don't compare yourself to other people- remember that you are unique and that no two people are alike. Even identical twins have a uniqueness to each one.

You need to learn to like yourself- start by treating your self with respect. Accept you for you and don't try to change anything because you want to please someone else. You need to please yourself first.

I sat with my daughter and we talked at length about how beautiful she is on the inside and out. She is unique and special for the person she is. We talked about how she can come to me with anything and to have faith in herself. She is now less obsessed with body image and has a better self esteem. I know she is going to become a beautiful young lady with a healthy self image.

Learn more about this author, Kathleen Gadomski.
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