Have you noticed that you and your friends seem to be growing in different ways? Suddenly your best friend Tina towers over you, her long legs fitting just perfectly in her new tight jeans? Or maybe your friend Heather has, well, filled out her tank tops, turning boys' heads, while you are still struggling with your girl body image? Jasmine's hair is silky and Ashley's stomach is naturally tanned and flat as a board! Are you feeling like an ugly duckling in a room full of swans? And worse yet, does hanging around your friends suddenly make you feel uncomfortable!
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." These wise, ageless words were spoken by Eleanor Roosevelt, America's astute former First Lady. Mrs. Roosevelt was a tireless advocate for women's rights; not only a woman's right in society, but also a woman's right to feel important, smart and beautiful, in her own way by having a great girl body image. Mrs. Roosevelt's message is straightforward and personal. If your girl body image feels inferior, then others will see you that way. However, if you believe in yourself, in your own style, personality and beauty, then the world will see you the same way. Easier said than done, right?
So how do you go about feeling beautiful when you're surrounded by magazine covers of breathtaking models, sexy movie stars and, of course, those almost perfect-looking girls in gym class? Well, start by taking stock of your girl body image.
What about yourself do you like best? Come on, everyone has something they like! Do you have great hair? Cool, big eyes? Long, thin legs? Accentuate the positive. Choose clothing that shows off your fine points. Spend extra time on your hair. Add a tasteful new eye shadow to your lids. Then stand up tall and strut your stuff to show off your positive girl body image.
Take a good hard look at yourself and be realistic about those features that bother you. Are you suffering from a bit of teen acne? Are you still carrying around some baby fat? Then take action. It may seem effortless, but even the most exquisite models work long and hard on their looks. Curb your snacking or start a skincare routine. You'll see a difference in your looks and you'll feel empowered because you've taken control of a problem and improved your girl body image.
Talk to your mom, a favorite teacher, or a friend. Chances are you'll find that everyone feels inadequate about some aspect of their looks. You're not alone. You'll also be pleasantly surprised to learn that all women go through an awkward girl body image period. Believe in your inner beauty! Oh, it may sound hokey, but it works. Beauty truly is only skin deep. A winning personality, intellect, and kindness add an outer glow to every teen. Let the real you shine through. Not only will you feel beautiful but you'll look better, too.
Exercise and watch your diet. A healthy teen is a beautiful teen. Run on the treadmill, join the volleyball team, or just add 50 jumping jacks to your daily regiment. Then, since you are what you eat, eat a balanced diet. Would you rather shine like a delicious red apple or a greasy bag of chips? Exercise and diet make your blood flow and create a healthy, all-American glow to your complexion and girl body image.
No one can make you feel bad, if you don't let them. Right? Stay strong. Believe in yourself and others will follow. If you think you're "all that," then you are!
