Self-Image: Looking at every one else?

Self Image: When was the last time you looked at another person and thought you liked their hair, eyes, and/or body shape? I would bet it hasn't been that long. We do it almost every day. When was the last time you looked in the mirror and thought I don't like my hair, eyes, and/or body type? Was it this morning? We do this everyday! Why do we see the positive features in others and pick out the negative in ourselves? It is the endless cycle of never being content with who we are. Now, you would think I was going to tell you to go look in the mirror and speak positive over yourself. No, I want to take this in an entirely different direction.

I want you to take a moment and tell those people you see every day, what you admire about them. Be honest and sincere. Don't just go around throwing out compliments you don't mean. Next time you are in the women's bathroom and you catch someone's eye in the mirror, tell them what you like about them. Why am I having you compliment others and just not focus on being positive with yourself? I can guarantee that you are the other person that we have all been staring at, you just don't know it. And why do I know this? Simple, we are not all looking at the same person correct? We are looking at each other.

Are you out there?

Here it is, my first article for the world of bloggers. Are you out there? First, I want to set the mood, so you know my true inspiration for “Your Happy Heart” blogging magazine.

Shortly after marrying my husband, he moved me to a place I thought I would never live. Up North! We built a house on 10 acres. I have learned these woods are where I truly am happy. So here it is Saturday morning, at 9 AM, and I am sitting on a plastic folding chair, legs propped on another, in my garage. My laptop is warmly placed on my lap. What am I doing out here in the garage? Having my first garage sale. In the woods you ask? I hear people will drive near and far for a good deal. (I have already made $43.50) I have a radio on the floor next to me playing a CD that I truly have come to love. (Canyon Shadows by artist Travis Terry) It is Navajo Indian music with flutes, slight drums, and makes you feel as if the wind is blowing through your core. I am consumed with the sound of morning crickets, chirping birds, as the sun starts to break through oak treetops. (An oriole has just landed outside the garage door and is peering in at me! There is also a pair of blue birds in the tree across the drive singing to each other. ) A light morning breeze brings with it the smell of light rain from the night before. Sitting here almost brings me to tears. This is what GOD intended for us to experience, in my opinion. Time for our spirits to just sit and listen to all HE has created. To truly feel the sun and smell the wind. This fills my Happy Heart.

So what can you do to keep yourself in a place of health, peace, and serenity? You need to deeply understand this is the ONLY body you will ever be blessed with. Is it not? Challenge me on that. Prove me wrong. You can’t. You buy a car and a few years later it’s not as nice. It gets a little rusty and what do you do? Buy another one. Well, your soul is nestled in your physical car and you can’t trade it in for a new model. There’s no other body you can ride around life in. You can, without doubt, fix up the one you have and make it like new again. It takes some work and an understanding of how to get from your old rusty body to a new shiny sports car.

Let’s go on a journey of healthy living, physically and mentally. Don’t blame others for where you are today and what’s negative in your life. You are responsible for that and you alone. Take responsibility for your actions. No one made you eat that donut for breakfast this morning and no one forced you to sit on that couch last night and watch that show. Think about it. Is finding out who the next person to be eliminated more important than you living your own life? I too struggle with this. Believe me, reality TV is addicting. But it’s not YOUR reality. Lets all learn to live our own life. (Although the Biggest Loser is a show that I highly recommend. I am a huge supporter of the show and trainer Jillian Michaels. I will be sharing more later.)

I am going to compile information I have learned over the past several years. Combined with my smarty pants health & fitness husband and lots of research, I will do all the leg work for you. But you have to promise me to lift that leg and get moving.

This is your first challenge: Buy yourself a journal. Something you feel truly comfortable with. (I have to “fit” with my writing materials. My favorite pen is my Pilot Dr. Grip) Write down these next few things and be honest. It’s just for you to learn and grow.
#1 - What are my best features physically? #2 - What are the strongest parts of my personality? #3 - What is the thing I don’t like about myself physically and can it be changed naturally? #4 - What else can I do besides watch that TV? #5 - What are my hobbies? #6 - What have I always wanted to learn to do? Now each day write down what you did that day and how it made you feel. How much time did you spend sitting (work, TV, etc) and how much time was spent moving around. Moving time should be more than sitting. And start writing down what you ate all day. Yes, this means carrying the journal to work and possibly where ever you go. Once you start journaling you will be less likely to put that 3 Musketeers in your mouth. Also, try and go for one really good walk this week or possibly a bike ride. Just one. We’re going slow.

So that’s it. I can’t wait to see your accomplishments. Go, be blessed, and enjoy Your Happy Heart.

Quote of the week: “Remember, you are whole and complete just as you are. Take time for self-cultivation.” Tao Paths - Love by Solala Towler, Andrew McMeel Publishing.