What If You Loved Yourself As You Are?

Have you seen Amy Schumer’s movie, I Feel Pretty, yet? If you have, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. If you haven’t, don’t worry, I won’t spoil it for you here.

I will just tell you that I watched it last night and want to recommend it to the following people:

1. Anyone who ever looks in the mirror or photos of themselves and only focuses on the negatives, or

2. Anyone who ever compares themselves to others and feels “less than”

Awhile ago, it seemed like the question “What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail?” was the big popular question. After watching this movie, I’m thinking “What would you do if you loved yourself exactly as you are in this moment?” Would you apply for the job you want instead of talking yourself out of it because you only meet 8 out of the 10 qualities listed? Would you throw on your bikini and be in the pictures with your friends and family instead of excluding yourself from those captured memories by always being the one taking the pictures? Would you take a class you’ve been interested in and have faith that you’re capable enough to do well in it instead of making excuses for why you can’t even try?

Here’s the thing…you can love yourself as you are in this moment AND keep challenging yourself to be an even better version of yourself each day. Challenge yourself because you love yourself and want to keep giving to yourself; not because you’re unhappy with yourself and want to completely change into someone else. For example, go to the gym because you love yourself and want to be healthy; don’t go to the gym because you hate everything about the way you look and want to punish yourself. See the difference? It’s really all in re-framing your thoughts…changing them into positive statements and objectives instead of negatives. Another example is to look in the mirror and focus on your favorite feature. Only focus on the favorites, not what you hate, want to change, or what “needs work.” Again, it’s a subtle change and definitely takes practice, but it’s a start!

Please ponder the thoughts above and consider watching I Feel Pretty. And then share your thoughts with me in the comments. I’d love to hear them!