Why is self-image important? It’s important because its how one views
oneself. One of my mantra’s in life is,
if you don’t think highly of yourself, no one else will. I believe that to be very important,
especially in a world where everyone is viewed under a microscope and judged
harshly. We see examples of positive and negative self-image
every day.
You have a girl or woman who always
wears provocative clothing. Does she
think highly of herself? Positive or
negative self-image? On the surface it appears
that she’s confident about her body and doesn’t mind showing it off. However, if you look deeper, you’ll realize
that she believes her self-worth lies solely on her body and the way she looks. Her self-image is actually negative. Contrary to popular belief, you are not your
clothes, your body, your hair, etc. As I
wrote in a previous post last year, self-worth comes from within. A woman who has a positive self-image knows
who she is and doesn’t have to expose her body to the world to feel good about who she is. She doesn’t need people to boast
about how she looks or what she wears and doesn’t need to draw attention to herself. One of my favorite quotes comes from Edith Head,
an award winning, American costume designer.
Edith said, “Your dresses should be
tight enough to show you're a woman and loose enough to show you're a lady.”
I love that quote!
Another example, you have a person who
can find fault in others no matter how positive the situation. For example, when Gabby Douglas, who worked
for years to get to the Olympics as a gymnast, made it and performed nearly
perfect. There were women (yes, grown
women) taking to Facebook and Twitter making negative comments about her
hair. I probably don’t have to ask, but I
will. Positive or negative
self-image? Definitely, negative. These are the same type of women that will
see an average woman with her child and instead of seeing how the mother loves
that child, works hard to nurture and develop the child; they will find
something wrong with what the child is wearing or find something wrong with their
hair. Interestingly, those same people
will boast about their own clothes, hair and material things. Some of these people habitually tries to make others feel or look stupid and small. Why? Because
they are shallow individuals. There is
nothing of any depth inside of them.
They are empty. There’s no
self-love or peace, so they find fault in others.
Finally,
you have people that will find the silver lining in most situations. Even when times are tough, they may get down
but they find a way to get themselves up.
This person also sees the positive in other people. When they see a person that has room for
improvement, they find a way to encourage them, and not tear them down. Positive or negative self-image? Positive, for sure. This person is confident in who they are.
They find no value or joy in hurting or belittling others.
Whether
you know it or not, your self-image, good or bad, is a reflection on not only
how you see yourself but also the way others see you. The good news is, if you have a negative self-image,
it can change. It’s a process that one
should intentionally work on daily to improve.
Children are impressionable and they look to adults for how they should
view themselves. Do you want the
reflection young people see when they look at you to be a positive or a
negative one? It’s your choice.
Until next time, I hope you have
been encouraged, empowered, enriched, and enlightened.
Cherlisa
