What's your secret?

I was flipping through the current issue of Redbook - the one with Jada Pinkett Smith on the cover - and found a great spread about loving our body in and out and silencing those mental critics that dwell inside our minds. One of my favorite parts was a Top 10 Instant Body-Love Boosters, particularly because they didn't all have to do with, say, step aerobics, wearing control-top hose or choosing the sorbet over the Death by Chocolate (...not that there's anything wrong with that!) Some examples:

* Paint your toenails a bold color.

* Stand up straight, like you mean business.

* Have your favorite inspirational quote printed on your morning coffe mug.

* Sleep naked.

Now, I actually employ three of these - I always stand up straight, to avoid the hunched-over tall-girl look; I keep two of my favorite quotes nearby (though they're on my nightstand, not a coffee mug); and I sleep naked. I didn't drop all that cash on 600-thread-count sheets for nothing! Regarding the toenail thing, sure I slap some red paint on 'em, but I've inherited what are kindly referred to as "the Miller toenails" in my household, meaning only nine of them are actually, well, there (the middle nail on my left foot is a bit shy and...OK, I don't think you really want to hear any more about that).

But it's true, all of these practices, from hitting the sack in the buff to strolling down the Magnificent Mile with my shoulders back, make me feel better about myself. Some other things: sweat dripping down the side of my face as I try to hold a tricky pose in yoga class; holding the door open on the subway (even though it threatens to chomp off my arms) so a stranger can make it on; kissing and cuddling with my husband, especially after I've been away traveling for a few days (I said cuddling people - what do you think this is, Skinemax?!); drinking kefir - I can just feel the probiotics strengthening my immune system; whipping out a set of push-ups; buying myself sassy new underwear; and soaking in the sights and sounds of my family laughing together.

What are your self-image boosting secrets?

xox,
Leslie

Comments

If my feet aren't too tired in the morning, I love to wear heels. The kind that the girls at work look at and go, that bitch! That's my weakness, shoes. Whenever I feel bad about myself, I go and buy a pair, or two or three if I get a deal. Sometimes I hide them in my car so my husband doesn't freak out about my spending. But I don't think there is anything quite like putting on a pair of cute or sexy shoes. That instantly makes me feel different and better. I feel taller and more aware of my body, I stand up straight and walk more proudly. It's like that commercial where the girl gets a pedicure and then has to get peeptoe sandals to show off the pedicure and then the dress to show off the shoes and the pedicure. That's me! An ankle injury 2 years ago made me think I would never wear heels again. That was painful and sad for me. But I worked with a physical therapist and I got my old ankle back! I love it! Shoes don't cling to my belly or make my butt look big. I feel stronger and more confident. I LOVE HEELS!

I'm a college student and there tends to be two types of girls on campus: the ones that will wake up early just to do their make-up, hair, and dress up; and those who role out of bed and throw their hair up in a ponytail. When I came to college I was the latter, but now I take that first hour of my day as a positive time just for me. It makes all the difference, when I'm walking to class now I;m actually smilling!

Leslie, I love you and I love your blog and I just wanted to thank you for writing such inspiring words. Reading through some of these entries have reminded me that there are so many more important things than what size clothes you wear, and the most important thing is to love yourself and love life! Thanks again!

I like to wear my bikini while I cook dinner....and no I don't have a perfect body I just am good with the way I look.

Wow, my secret has been eating Oatmeal, with honey...it keeps me full all day (well until about lunch time). It is really easy to fix, especially with my work in publishing.. I eat and go!

But my boosting pleasures are washing my car in heels, the fact that I can balance myself says it all... LOL

I like to wear a sexy matching bra and panty set whenever I have a big meeting or an interview. It's like "I have a secret and I'm not going to tell." It gives me such a confidence boost, especially since women in engineering aren't typically thought of as sexy.

I also like to pull out my raspberry lip stain if I need a little pick-me-up. Nothing makes me feel beautiful like the right color lipstick.

I also like sleeping naked (or barely clothed). There is nothing better than taking a warm shower, shaving and mosturizing your body and then crawling into soft sheets and feeling them against your soft skin.

And when I work out. Pushing myself that last little bit really makes me feel better about myself.

I agree with Kaye, heels definately give you a bit of a boost.

Also, working out gives me confidence. I go running, weight lift, or do pilates and it's feels so good when I have a good workout. I can focus on my work more and it lowers my stress level (all those damn exams and papers in college).
Gotta love those endorphins!

Thanks for all of your unique and wide-ranging ideas, everyone! (from oatmeal and honey to bikinis and heels!) It just goes to show how individual and special we all are...and yet with such similar goals.

Sleep tight...naked, clothed, or whatever you choose :-)
-Les

am too depressed realyy i dont feel like girl bec of my fat body and my low self confidence.i go to college as if am goin to hell really i hate myself and my fat body and bad hair,i never felt like agirl be4

I wish I could hug the person with the last statement. I hope you will find someone to love you just for being you, God bless.

thanks all of you, you've all got me motivated, i not only stand straight but sit staraight too. thanks again all.
nelfa

To strangerrr, I recommend reading "The Secret." Up until these past few weeks, I too had been struggling with loving myself and loving my body, but after reading this and doing the daily affirmations, and watching "The Secret" dvd, I am slowly beginning to replace my negative and depressed outlook on life to one filled with possibility and happiness. Read it!!!

I love getting a pedicure. It always makes me feel good about myself. I, like you Leslie, really only have 9 toe nails that can be painted, but I love getting it done! I love picking out a different color every time. It makes me feel good about myself for that little while that the polish lasts! =)

Strangerrr - you need to go rent the movie Phat Girlz.

I am also a plus sized woman (I wear a size 22 pants & a 26 shirt). I had never felt good about my body. Even to this day, my dad still throws hints at me that I need to lose weight and that I'm fat.

Basically, the movie is about this girl who is plus sized (played by Mo'Nique) who works in a fashion store & they don't carry any plus-sized clothing, but she makes her own clothing line, and people don't look at her very well because she is fat. She finally is able to turn it around & finds out that it is okay to be fat.

Mo'Nique holds a competition every year as to who is going to become the next Miss F*A*T and it stands for "Fabulous And Thick".

Girl, you need to realize (& I know it's easier said than done) that it is okay to be a plus-size woman. Take joy in being a plus-size woman.

I can't not feel good about myself!!!I didn't any of those things I look on the bright side of life!!!It can't be like its the end of the world, you know.I am 121 pounds at the age of 23 but people don't make me feel bad.You can just be happy for who you are and be thankful that god even put you on this earth!!!BE GREATFUL!!!

I have tried all those things and more and it actually helped!!!It worked within 2 days.Anybody out there who wants to feel good about themselves can!It is a really great feeling.Try it now!!

wow ladies!!! what can i say you are all fabulous. really we all need to make ourselves feel better if it is wearing heels or bikini.

keep up the spirit. at the end of it all it comes from within and being YOU makes the difference.

it might be our smile, our curves, the colour of our eyes, our warmth, our spirit to go on....

everyone of us is very special in our own way and i believe everyone one of us has a secret admirer. one that can move the earth for us. pause and think

take care. by the way i come from Seychelles- check it out on the map. in the indian ocean

I love to read inspirational books. They lift my spirts and bring a great sense of happiness that no one can take away. Lets all remember to smile today, it may be just what someone needs to see!!

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