Re-fashion yourself! Get an image
IST SIMPLY implies that you need to face your weaknesses, acknowledge and accept them. This acceptance should spur you on to better action, that of filling in the void meaningfully. How often have you looked at yourself in the mirror and felt depressed? Every time you see an ad that shows a beautiful person, do you sigh and wish you were like that? Did you also realise that you end up carrying over this feeling for days on end and get depressed, that even your work gets affected? The final outcome- you constantly feel discontented, frustrated and dissatisfied - with the blame sitting squarely on our shoulders or rather your body. We often let negative perceptions of our body permeate our entire lives, for years.
Its rather perplexing how we end up creating a self-image that is so negative and unproductive! Most of our conceptions about ourselves are often a result of our surroundings, of how our parents, peers, friends and the immediate society view us, and even the media, for shaping our views and attitudes.
The influence is so insidious that we begin to equate our self- image with what is expected of us or with what is being projected. However, reality is another ball game altogether. Myriad things define the way we look and behave, from heredity and genetics to surroundings and circumstances. These are things about which you can do nothing much.
So don't let all the hype, hypnotise you. Take a hard look at yourself, you'd be surprised at the amazing potential housed within.
Begin with a few simple self-awareness techniques
Firstly, stop punishing yourself! Whatever you're obsessing about, stop it right now, whether it is good looks, food/food habits, success or fame.
Re-discover your personality-what gives you joy, makes you sad and motivates you to give your best. You'll soon come to know that you're not all that bad, after all. Everyone is endowed with some talent/ aptitude that can be used productively.
Next, squash those negative thoughts. The greatest that can be achieved through negative thinking is unemployment!
However, the most difficult thing to do - is to be able to cure that feeling of depravation. Often, when you're out of sync with yourself, a nagging sense of something amiss or lacking engulfs you. We periodically tend to get so pre-occupied that we loose perspective of the real issue. Remedy the situation. Pay attention to how you are faring in life, rather than how your neighbour is.
Or you may be suffering from some deep-seated insecurity, which cripples you into thinking that everyone around you either hates you or must be talking ill about you, behind your back. Rather than giving into such feelings, always remember that no one is infallible. Take the first step towards healing. Begin by loving yourself. It simply implies that you need to face your weaknesses, acknowledge and accept them. This acceptance should spur you on to better action, that of filling in the void meaningfully. Sustain the process and inculcate an attitude of learning.
'Always wanted to, but never got around to doing it...' is the most common affliction. Be kind on yourself, just do it. Someone once said that 'the fear of suffering is greater than the suffering itself.' How true! Our perception of having to face any pain, embarrassment, hurt or suffering is often exaggerated than what the proposed action would normally cause. Give up the excuse; you're just giving in to the urge of self-abuse, a crime greater than any. Or if you're plain lazy, remember that you're shortening your life span by five minutes, for every moment of laziness. Only when you live, is life worth the living.
Maximise your life. Take every moment as it comes and cherish it. Adopt a positive attitude. Treat yourself to occasional spells of extravagance, buy yourself something nice, re-establish your ties with your family and friends, and re-furbish your wardrobe. Focus on living a complete, fulfilling and wholesome life.
Take a reality check. Understand that we rate most people on the basis of their personality and not just their physical attributes. Revamp the way you function and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Stay tuned to your body needs and celebrate the joy and freedom it gives you. Enrich your mind through reading and free your spirit through giving, help someone out or take-up a cause close to your heart.
Finally, pay attention to the important facts of life- have realistic aspirations, adopt an attitude of gratitude, eat when you're hungry, take up some form of physical exercise/ activity, believe that it is normal to have periodic fluctuations in weight gain/loss, learn to forgive, don't be embarrassed to ask for assistance from family, friends, peers or a professional helper, and ultimately, look at the whole picture, you'll find there's much to smile about!
SAMYUKTA KODA
samyukta.hyd@cnkonline.com
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Opportunities
