Self Image Issues

Self image is a subject that I've heard about all my life, but this issue has been around for ever. Both females and males struggle with this issue. Females are a little more dramatic than males, so it is a bigger subject in the media when it comes to female. Men and boys hide the issue due to appearing weak.

What started me on this subject was both talking with friends over the past year and now an article I read today about Katherine Schwarzenegger. She wrote a book about self image. http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20100913/hl_yblog_upshot/schwarzeneggers-daughter-reveals-details-of-growing-up-in-famous-family#mwpphu-container
As I read through the comments most seemed positive, then I noticed a very insecure comment.
A lady commented that a normal clothing size for a healthy woman is a size 12 to 16 and that anyone that wears a size 10 or smaller only eats lettuce and has self image issues. It was a little shocking to see that this woman felt that thin people starve themselves. It is obvious that she has self image issues because of her negativity toward those who are thin. I haven't read Katherine Schwarzenegger's book, but from what I've read in the article, she wants young girls to understand that self image issues are normal. She is 100% correct, it is normal. I plan to read her book and if I like it, I'll have both of my girls read it when they are teenagers.

I'm almost 40 years old and I have self image issues. Several times a year I have to deal with acne. I'm 40, so why am I still dealing with acne??? I can't run with make-up on, so the world has to see me with all my zits. I find it difficult during these times, but what keeps me going is that I know everyone seeing my acne has their own physical appearance issues. I also hate my thighs, they are chubby, but I know they aren't fat. I've accepted my chubby tights until I put on a bathing suit. I usually want to cry when I put on a bathing suit. One issue that most people (both male and female) like to point out to me is my almost nonexistent breasts. Surprisingly I'm proud of my little bumps and that has never been an image issue. I'm very surprised that women feel that having big boobs is important, I feel that they would get in the way of my running. It's odd that people have pointed out to me that I'm almost boobless, maybe It's because of their low self image and they want to take me down to their level. Compared to your average American woman I have a more positive self image, because I have accepted the fact that everyone has flaws.

My goal is to build a positive self image for my daughters by being a good role model. I've also recognized that I'm a role model to all the young girls that I encounter. I try to eat well and workout regularly. My daughters both want to run with me, and we talk about food and the importance of it. They know at the age of 7 and 10 that food is fuel for the body and that exercise and running strengthens our bodies. My 10 year old has pointed out things that she thinks is flaws in her physical appearance. We talk about why she thinks these things are flaws. Many times it's because of TV, usually shows like Hannah Montana. She has also compared herself to her friends, which is normal. I've pointed out to her that she is normal for having these views. She is still growing and hasn't had to really deal with these self image issues, but I hope she'll come to me when the time comes. I'll teach her to look at the positives and to stay away from those people trying to create a poor self image for her. I was blessed with a mom and friends that did that for me.

It's negative people that create the self image problems that both teens and adults deal with daily. If you surround yourself with positive friends and family you'll have a good self image. Katherine, I hope your book is a success and I hope to read it during the upcoming year.