“Everyone has flaws. No-one is perfect. Its what you do about your flaws that really matters”

After doing my photo shoot for a new website I am creating, I discovered some ‘flaws’ with my body. Some I can’t change and some that I can! We all have things we don’t like about our body, but when it comes down to it, it’s what you do about it that counts.

There are things about our bodies that we can change and things that we can’t (well not naturally anyway!). If you really want to wear a smaller dress size, get rid of that muffin top or feel better in your bikini’s – you can do something about that. But if you really want to get results, you have to be willing to make changes.

How you perceive your body, is totally different to how others see themselves. We are all pretty hard on ourselves when it comes to analysing our own bodies. How often do you look in the mirror and say – ‘Gee, I’m looking alright this morning!’ – I bet hardly ever! I am sure your best friend or partner or someone who is open and honest with you, could tell you what they see when they look at you. I bet they will pick out all the good things about you first – nice eyes, lovely smile, heart of gold, funny, but then when it comes down to it – that is all they are thinking about or looking at when they see you. They don’t see you as having a big butt, having no boobs, or flabby arms. What they really want to see is you happy with yourself.

When most people set themselves goals, or things they want to achieve, most of the time it has to do with their body. And that is great, but as I said earlier, if you really want to change and have a body you are happy with, you have to do something about it. So first you have to decide how badly do you want the results and then what are you willing to do to get them. It could be stop eating sugar, getting out and exercising 3-5 times a week, eating healthier meals, stop drinking alcohol just to name a few things. If you really want to get the body you are happy with, you will be willing to make the changes.

If however, you aren’t willing to make these changes, the best thing you can do is to love and accept yourself the way you are. It is a choice. And only a choice that you can make.

Then there is the other side – the ‘flaws’ that aren’t so easily changed, but are much easier to accept. Take this photo for example (it’s one of my ultimate favourites by the way!)

Look at those crows feet! When I saw them, the first thing I felt, was proud (and that is the honest truth). Proud, because the fact I had crows feet, meant that I must smile a lot. Oh and thank goodness for photoshop, because the pimple I had on my forehead was taken out (that was the only thing photo shopped by the way!)

It might not even be something to do with your body, that you aren’t 100% happy about. It might be your job, personal situation, mind or body – the best thing you can do, is have a good look at the situation and be strong enough to do something about it. Doing something about what you aren’t happy with, could be talking to a professional, it might be changing jobs, or just take a big step outside of your comfort zone and check what it’s like out there, you might be pleasantly surprised.

So let’s finish with some positives…

It’s time to stop looking at the negatives within ourselves and start to focus on the positives. Crows Feet = Smile lines! We all have SO many good things about ourselves, just ask your best friend, your partner or your family. Just remember, no-one is perfect!

Why not focus on some positive aspects of your body and your life, next time something negative pops up. Why not write a list, in case you need some extra help on those really negative days, you can just refer to your list to put a smile back on your face!

Here are a few things to get you thinking:

• I love my job, I am good at what I do
• I am the best mum I can be
• I am strong
• I am organised
• I am a good motivator
• I make a delicious, healthy, chocolate fudge
• I have nice feet

What are some of your positives?

If I could leave you with some inspirational words of wisdom, it would have to be ‘know that you are worth it.’ If you want to make a change (be it big or small) in your life, think to yourself, how badly do you want to change. If the drive, motivation and determination is there, you will do it. You will WANT to do it. No matter what it is, if you want it bad enough, you will get there! You just need to make the decision and believe in yourself.