Learning to love your body isn't something that is easy or that will happen quickly. It is going to take time, patience and a lot of self reflection. At 21-years old, I am just finally starting to come to terms with how my body is and maybe always will be. Learning to love your can be one of the most important things you can do for your self. If it takes you more than 21 years or you never learn quite how to love your body, that is okay too.
There are some several things I tell myself when I get a wave of disgust in myself. This is the way I look at it; we are born with one body and one mind to carry us throughout the difficult challenges of life. With all the difficult times we face from external sources, we shouldn't be spending time being destructive towards our own bodies. If you want to change your body? Do it. Want to change how you express yourself? Do it. If you want to stay the way you are? Do it. If you want to dress your body a certain way? Do it. Don't let the negativity from someone else's mind, effect the way you view yourself.
We only have one body, so why not celebrate it and make the most of it while we still can? Every person on this planet is unique, each different with the way they dress and express themselves. Some might be similar in ways but the we still have our own unique traits. It is time we start celebrating our uniqueness.Celebrate the little things you love about your self, one by one. Be patient, try not be harsh on yourself. You can work on things slowly. That is what I worked on in my case.
Not only did I work on things slowly, but I had someone very close and special to me encourage me to love myself. He showed me it was okay to love the body I am in, rather than being disgusted with what I was born with. It was not easy and it never will be, but if I keep pushing at with his support I will continue to try and treat my body with kindness. After 21 years, I am still learning. So again, be patient, take your time and don't ever give up.
Sheetal Tadiparty
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