Friday, March 26, 2010

Ready for a Challenge?

Who doesn't like a compliment? When I was growing up my awesome mom would sometimes feign deafness to hear a compliment from me twice. "Mom, your hair is just lovely today." Her face would clear and she would simply respond, "What?" with just the right amount of mock innocence. She is wonderful and as I have heard on more than one occasion she has students tell her to "Stop being so positive"- She knows how to find the bright side of almost any situation. Now, not all of you were lucky enough to have a momma like mine, but cheer up, I am sure your mom was great too.

Here is my initial idea for the challenge: Once a week for a certain number of weeks I want us to share positive things about our bodies and personalities. The first few weeks will be about physical appearance. For example- "I am totally hot" or "I love my legs. Not because I have cute legs, but because they are strong and get me around to the places I need to go." or "I have nice eyes."  The next batch of weeks would be about our inner self. For example- "I love that I am determined." or "I like that I love most people." The last weeks would be about looking for good in other people, appreciating a beautiful women instead of hating her, noticing the little things that others do for one another. For example- "I love seeing my neighbor with her kids because her example make me want to be a better parent." or "I saw someone go out of their way to help so-and-so do such-and-such". Maybe it would be easier to have a daily challenge that only lasts for a month.

I have a friend who stands in front of the mirror regularly and picks something she likes that may be underappreciated about her body. Mind you, she does this in the buff. A scary thought for me. Try it. I dare you. Instead of hiding from your body accept it, appreciate it. One of my goals this year is to be happy to be me. To be content with myself, comfy in my own skin.

Most people are beautiful and strong, but for many confidence is buried deep down where is is hard to reach. I think this "compliment challenge" will be hard, it will be personal, and maybe inspiring. There is a shortage of positive people. I want to read about women and men who love life, who find the positive things. I have often heard, "have an attitude of gratitude." I want to cultivate that within myself.

Time for me to ask for feedback. What do you think? What ideas do you have? Additions or subtractions? I want to get as many people participating as possible.

Who is in? Tell your friends.

3 comments:

Valerie said...

I think it's a great idea! It is not easy for me (and for many others) to concentrate on the positive things about themselves when the negatives always come to mind.

I once saw a BYU dance troup do something called Women's Voices (or something like that) and the part that stuck with me the most was when one of the dancers said, "My body is beautifully flawed". I try to convince myself of that. Just today I was working on a future post about the same idea--our flaws make us who we are. I love your group participation challenge!

Cassie said...

I think I am supposed to do this!! Does this sound weird? I saw this on your blog, but I have also read about it in a fitness magazine, and one other place. I guess I will have to answer all of these subtle hints and break down to actually do it. =)

Cassie said...

I never did find that other article, sorry. I did find an interesting little article in the Family Fun (April 2010) about 5 ways to foster a healthy body image. This is meant more for children, but why not add them in on the fun of your challenge?

Here is a link: http://familyfun.go.com/magazine/familyfun-magazine-archive/familyfun-april-2010/5-ways-to-foster-a-healthy-body-image-858512/