Sometimes we don’t like what we see in the mirror. Our body looks strange, or our nose is a funny shape. Being happy with how you look is hard. We have to try to accept the way we are.
To be happy with your looks, you need to start by asking yourself some big questions.
Look at yourself in the mirror, think about how you see yourself. What kind of thoughts do you have? Are these thoughts bad, or are they good? Are there parts of you that you like or don’t like? Write them down.
Next ask yourself: where did these thoughts come from? Why do you see yourself this way? Did your brother tell you your nose is too big? Did a friend make you feel short?
Whatever it is, think about it. Try and think about when these thoughts first started.
Next, ask your best friend how they think you look. Maybe ask your mom or dad. Just make sure you feel comfortable with this person. Ask them about things that you don't like yourself.
Compare what they say about you to what you think about yourself. Do they see you differently? What do they like about you? Write their thoughts down.
No matter what they say, it’s important to remember this:
1. There is no ‘perfect’ body: everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, and it’s this ‘difference’ that makes people special and unique. Some people might look perfect, but most of us don’t. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true.
2. Health comes before beauty. Make sure you’re taking care of your body. Eat well, sleep well, walk your dog.
3. Be kind to yourself. Watch what you are telling yourself. Constantly being mean to yourself about how you look is not going to help. Treat yourself like you would a best friend - with care and understanding.
How we understand and view ourselves changes. You will grow and change. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Make sure your friends and family build you up, not break you down.
Change your perspective and uncover a way forward for you!
Here are some things that can help you with that.
YouTube
Great
reads
Brave by Svetlana Chmakova
Overweight junior high student Jensen struggles with friendship and bullies. When two kids from the school newspaper entice him with social-experiment projects, he’s called upon to find true courage .
Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart
Kids struggle with parental and peer expectations and with being ridiculed as they come to terms with their particular challenges and find comfort and joy in friendship with each other .
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
This book is about two misfits who slowly fall in love with each other. Showing each other that they are beautiful in their own, unique ways.
Great
Films
Eighth Grade
Kayla Day, an eighth grader, is introverted but also posts videos about self-confidence on the Internet. Later, she realises she is not the person she is pretending to be and overcomes her fears.
Brave
Merida disobeys an ancient custom which unleashes a dark force. After meeting an elderly witch, as she journeys to reverse the curse, she discovers the real meaning of bravery.
Dumplin'
Willowdean, an overweight teenager of a yesteryear beauty queen, decides to participate in her mother's Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant to prove a point.
Spotify
This playlist will make you feel like you can conquer the world.
Places to find more resources
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