Thought of the week:
Optimism is a great companion wherever life takes you.
Dear Dolly InnerGirl,
Dear DOLLY InnerGirl,
Lately I have been feeling self-conscious of my body image. I’m not the skinniest person but I would love to have the model body that every girl wants.
I try to eat healthier and exercise, but one day I’ll exercise and eat healthy then the next day I’ll go back to my unhealthy habits.
Is there any advice you could give me to boost my self-esteem up again? Please help!
Anonymous, 14
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Answer:
Hi,
It seems your two sides are having a war. One part of you loves to take care of your body, and the other, let’s call it your ‘shadow’ side doesn’t want to play at getting healthy and toned. An interesting way to look at it is to make friends with the shadow side.
We usually get angry with our shadow side when it chooses to stop doing what we really want. Then our shadow side gets narky and somehow makes us do even more unhealthy things!!! So making friends with your shadow side is a way to get things progressing.
You may not realize it but your shadow side thinks it is pleasing you and taking care of you when it suggests you sit around and eat unhealthy stuff. Your shadow side thinks that’s what you’ve always done and it’s OK.
Find some alone time and pen and paper. Take three deep breaths.
In a letter, thank the shadow side for trying to help you enjoy life the way you always have. Now tell it that you would like it to support you, and that you want to be healthier and toned. Tell it what you want to eat and how much you want to exercise. Tell your shadow side that’s what you really want and can it help you on this path. A friendly approach to your so-called enemy will make healthy choices so much easier.
Also don't get upset with yourself if you slip into bad habits from time to time, it'll make it all the more harder if you do. Instead, just concentrate on staying positive and you can achieve anything you put your mind to!
Good luck!
Email us with your age and question at dollymail@acpmagazines.com.au with "DOLLYinnergirl" as the subject.
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