Why do New Year's resolutions so often revolve around things we want to change about ourselves?
In our society, we hear so much noise around changing so that we can fit in: changing the way we look, the way we act, how early we wake up, the size of our clothing, and more. There’s so much messaging trying to convince us that the way we currently are isn’t good enough, and that if we change, we’ll be happier.
But what if the key element to happiness doesn’t lie in changing ourselves, but in changing our mindset to accept ourselves? If you’d like to take self-acceptance into the new year and set out on a journey to love your body, start with these simple shifts.
Notice Your Thoughts
The first step to adjusting your mindset is noticing your thoughts. When you get dressed in the morning or pass by a mirror, what’s going through your mind? Do your thoughts resemble things you would say to a dear friend?
Withhold Judgment
Sometimes beginning to notice your thoughts can draw attention to the negative stories running through your mind that you may not have realized were there before. Many people believe that they’re practicing body positivity, only to realize upon a closer look that there’s negativity in the way they talk to themselves.
Ironically, it’s all too easy to feel guilty or ashamed of those negative thoughts, which only perpetuates the cycle of negativity. As much as you can, avoid labeling your thoughts as “good” or “bad” thoughts—they’re just thoughts, not static facts. Notice them and let them pass you by without falling into a spiral.
Keep a Journal
One method for processing thoughts without letting them impact your mood or turn into damaging beliefs is to keep a journal. You can journal in any style you like, whether you prefer to stick to a stream of consciousness and simply write what’s on your mind or whether you adopt a specific format or template.
If your goal is to love your body no matter what, you might choose to write down three things you can celebrate your body for each day, like walking with your family, sitting on the floor with your grandchild, or playing your favorite sport. You could record a few details you loved about your appearance that day, or make notes about a fun aspect of your outfit.
A journal not only allows you to get your thoughts onto paper, but also gives you a way to look back on your mindset and its improvements over time.
Choose and Repeat A Body Positivity Affirmation
While it might sound silly at first, many people find that choosing and repeating a body positivity affirmation can work wonders for their mindset over time. Whether alongside your journal practice or instead of it, select a body positivity affirmation you truly resonate with. Here’s a list of a few of our favorites, which you can adopt as-is or adapt to fit your needs:
- My body does everything I need it to do.
- I am beautiful exactly as I am.
- My body is my home and I am thankful.
- My body deserves love and respect.
- I am inherently a worthy and lovable person.
- All bodies change, and that is okay.
- I deserve to wear clothes I love.
- I feel confident in my skin.
Once you’ve selected a body positivity affirmation (or several!) that you love, find ways to keep it top of mind. You could incorporate it into your phone’s background, write it on sticky notes to leave in your desk drawers or throughout your home, or repeat it a few times each morning and evening. Saying the affirmation aloud might feel difficult in the beginning, but you’ll notice that the words feel more and more true with every repetition.
Love Your Body, One Step at a Time
Developing a body positive mindset doesn’t happen overnight, and the journey isn’t linear. Everyone has good days and tough days, and as our bodies change over time and even over the course of a given month, we’ll naturally encounter varying challenges. Give yourself grace and patience, knowing that you are not alone in your journey to love your body more completely.
Take it day by day, one step at a time. Every choice you make for your body positive mindset, from that first journal entry to choosing a body positivity affirmation to purchasing an outfit that allows you to express yourself, is a step in the direction of a happier and more fulfilling life.
If colorful patterns, accurate sizing, and inclusive designs are the next stop on your journey to love your body, you’re in the right place. MySizeology is on a mission to make joyful, eco-friendly clothing for every body. Start shopping today.