While how we look is important to our self esteem, there’s more to feeling better about ourselves than just our looks. I do, however, believe the two are interrelated: If you look good, you feel better. If you feel better, you look better. Here are five things, that won’t cost you any money, but may change how you view yourself.
“IF YOU DON’T THINK YOU CAN, YOU WON’T.”
DON’T LET WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OR SAY DICTATE YOUR LIFE: We all have people in our lives who say things like, “I don’t think you should do that,” or “I wouldn’t wear that, if I were you.” You are the captain of your ship. Don’t sail someone else’s route. If you like the blue top with the sequins, then buy it; wear it, and most of all, enjoy it!
DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS: It doesn’t matter what your friend is, or is not, doing with her life. It matters what you are doing with yours. Are you happy with where you are in life? If not, why not? What can you do to move yourself forward, as opposed to standing still? For example, if you’ve always wanted to own a business where people can board their pets, but don’t have the money or the knowhow? What if you volunteer, or get a job at the SPCA, a vet or a kennel? The experience will be invaluable. Don’t let where you are, keep you from getting where you want to go.
STAND UP STRAIGHT: I don’t mean to sound like my mother, but have you ever seen a photo of yourself you don’t like? I bet your posture isn’t good. Imagine there’s a string coming out of the top of your head, pulling you upward. Shoulders back, stomach in. Instead of looking like the Dowager Empress, good posture will make you look like a more confident woman. Hang on to her, not just in photos, but all the time.
BANISH “I CAN’T” FROM YOUR VOCABULARY: Along with “stand up straight,” my mother said, “thoughts are things.” Every time you say something negative about yourself, you’re reinforcing it in your mind. People who’re trying to quit smoking often wear a rubber band on their wrist and snap it every time they’re tempted to light up. What if you wear a rubber band and snap it every time you think or say something negative about yourself? If you don’t think you can do something, you won’t. Snap it. Hard!
PERSONAL GROOMING: Take care of your “tips.” A new outfit can perk us up and makes us feel better, but that feeling is short-lived. Every time you step out the door, make sure your nails are filed, hangnails trimmed and you have on at least a coat of clear polish. Also, make sure your shoes and boots are polished. If you find yourself without polish, magic markers work wonders.
Onwards and upwards, girlfriends! We have lives to lead and dreams to chase! Following through on them is hard enough, so don’t be your own worst enemy.
