Body Acceptance for Women

article by Dr. Jennifer Levin

Socially, body acceptance is one of the most complex issues any person faces in their lifetime. Sociologists and psychologists devote entire careers to studying the interactions between self and society that give rise to different body perceptions. Enormous amounts of money go into research about body image, into helping people achieve their ideal body, and into marketing using negative self perception. Almost everyone, regardless of race, sex, or culture, has at one time or another questioned their own body and its perceived shortcomings. For many people, though, these questions persist, and the ensuing results are a continual struggle to reach an impossible image of perfection. Often times, these struggles result in a painful cycle of genuine effort, failure, and depression.

I Will Prevail Wellness Coaching encourages change. We encourage a breaking-away from the societal image of perfection. We encourage a better standard of judgment: your own. Body acceptance coaching is not an athletic program, not a new diet, and not a miracle pill. Instead, it is a program of introspection, understanding ourselves, and judging based on ones own standards.

A personal success coach can help you find a level with which you are comfortable. The first step is to honestly answer some important questions: How do I want to live my life? Am I comfortable with myself or would the life I want to live be better suited with some change? When many people step away and view themselves using their own standards, they find they are unhappy with what they see.

Part of body acceptance coaching, is understanding that how we look is the result of our accumulated life experiences. For example, a person may not like their thighs but fail to appreciate that their lower body has been shaped by a favorite hobby, such as running or long walks on the beach. Thus the important question is not do I want to change the way I look, but do I want to change my life and how so? Body acceptance coaching teaches confidence both in life and in body.

Body acceptance is difficult because it is an acceptance of life, mind, and body. Overcoming external judgments and accepting the body as a gift can be a difficult process. However, acceptance and confidence offers a lifetime of benefits and allows a richer, fuller life without unnecessary burdens or worries.