Self-Image: Your Right to Your Own Mind
We have a looming crisis in this county. No, it is not terrorism, as scary and as universal as it seems. No, it is not burgeoning racism, although that is becoming a crisis of it's own. Nor is it the economic depression we seem to be developing.
No, this crisis we are creating ourselves.
Studies have shown that the percentage of Americans who are overweight is increasing at alarming speeds. Children are fatter in this generation than in any other previous. Adults are increasing in size.
Yet, our fashion industry, our entertainment industry, our medical industry, and our media seem to focus more and more on smaller and smaller visions.
What does this say to our children? To ourselves??
Socialization — as a developmental tool — is invaluable. It allows each child to become used to living and working among others. Unfortunately, it also has side effects. It requires each child to learn to accept the larger society's view of themselves rather than their own self-image and self-worth.
No wonder we are a generation who needs "affirmations" to survive!
A very young child who is loved doesn't need to be told that they are worthy or good — they simply know it and are confident in themselves. But as they grow older and society's ideals become more and more involved in their lives, they begin to doubt that self-worth, and what fragile identity they may be developing is destroyed in the fires of adolescence.
But this issue isn't just limited to those who are overweight. There are many different types of people that are overburdened by stereotypes engendered by a society that focuses on the "perfect image" or the "ideal" rather than on reality.
We have got to nip this burgeoning problem in the bud!
But what can you do about it?
Start with yourself. Do you accept yourself as you are? Drop all the "affirmations" and "self-help" tapes — they only sugar coat the issue. This is work, people — no "magic pill" is going to fix what is wrong.
Forget liking yourself — that will come later. This is just a simple question. CAN YOU ACCEPT YOURSELF AS YOU ARE??? If not, why not? Is it because you are not 'perfect'? Who decides what perfection means? So what if your thighs are covered in cellulite, or your face in wrinkles — what about YOU?
Separate yourself from society's view of you. Make a few lists — What is good about you? What is bad about you? Are the things that are bad really all that important? Are they life-threatening? Or are they simply surface issues that don't matter in the reality of day to day life?
Ok, let's take the life of a fat person — say, one like myself. Yes, I'm fat. Ok, so what. Do I wear clothing that is clean and professional? Yes. Do I take care of my physical hygiene? Yes — you are damned right, I do. So, do I fit the slovenly, disgusting media image of a fat woman? No way!
Am I intelligent? Yes. Do I use my mind for more than just holding my ears apart? Yes. Am I capable at what I do? Damned straight!
So, why shouldn't I be proud of myself? Why shouldn't I accept myself as the way the Divine made me and simply be the best person I am?
I do — and that is because I have realized that while I need to fulfill my duty to humanity by being compassionate and understanding to my fellow man, I DO NOT need to accept their view of my worth. They are not in my brain — they do not know what I am made of. Only I can know that.
And the same goes for you!
Be proud of who and what you are! Be proud of what you are made of and what you are capable of. Learn to accept yourself as you are, and eventually you will even learn to like yourself.
I'm not saying that someone shouldn't strive to better themselves. If you would feel better losing that weight, or changing that image of yourself, fine….go ahead and do so. But DO NOT do it because society expects it of you. DO NOT do it under the false impression that you will feel better about yourself just because you did it.
Until you learn to accept yourself, you will never be satisfied with yourself — no matter what size, shape or lifestyle you choose.