SELF LOVE

It is a tough world out there for people who look different - big people know this all too well. No matter what, people can always find ways to put others down but we must stay positive and spread love within ourselves and to others. Here are some mantras that you can use to help keep your mind positive everyday, and especially those challenging days.

I AM THANKFUL FOR WHAT MY BODY CAN DO.
What can your body do? We sometimes take it for granted - walking, moving, dancing, working, traveling. Got pregnant and gave birth? That is also a proud achievement. Be thankful for what your body can do, and what it has already done for you and where you are now because of it.

I AM LOVED.
Although you may have heard a lot of hurtful and unkind comments your whole life (not only strangers, it could be even a parent) - remember those who truly matters and who always love you and want you around. They deserve the best and happiest version of you.

I LOVE MY ___ BECAUSE ___ .
Do you have a feature that you love most about yourself? Highlight that to yourself and be proud of it. And it doesn't have to be something physical - it can be your compassion or intellect.

WORK OUT BECAUSE YOU LOVE YOUR BODY, NOT BECAUSE YOU HATE IT.
Many of us overweight people work out because we hate how we look and we want to lose weight. Why not change that negative into a positive? Work out because you love your body and want to make it better. Trust me, you don't want to put it through sickness, injuries or diseases.

HAPPINESS IS BEAUTIFUL.
There is just something about a happy person that makes them beautiful and radiant - regardless of what they look like. Don't you agree? Laugh, smile and look at the humor in life!

I AM IN A LEAGUE OF MY OWN.
In other words - no comparing. Even supermodels will compare themselves to others when they have low self-esteem. Remember, you are in a league of your own, and no one can compare to that.

MY IMPERFECTIONS ARE A WORK OF ART.
Strive to be living art - interesting, imperfect and deep. There is no intrigue in being boring.

YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD, AND IT IS NEVER TOO LATE.
My almost-40-year-old sister who is a breast cancer survivor told me that it is not too late for her to take care of herself and her body - and even with just that thought, she looks already so much happier and radiant.

I AM NOT DEFINED BY MY LOOKS - BUT HOW I LIVE.
Looks are fleeting, they can be deceiving. What matters is what you do with your life that is truly a mark of who you are as a person, and what people will remember you by. At the end of the day, when you look at the bigger picture, what truly matters is how you carry yourself and how you treat people (especially your family).

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN UGLY WOMAN.
Just a lazy one. It just takes a little effort to take care of yourself. The first step to loving yourself, is to take that first step.