... which they measure their self-worth. They hold themselves up to an unattainable standard and berate themselves for failure of perfection. Imposingharsh judgments on your body limits the range of experiences you allow yourself to enjoy. How many times has a potentially wonderful day at the beach been spoiled by your judgments about how you look in a bathing suit? Imagine how liberating it would be to happily walk across the warm sand without feeling self-conscious. I have a friend who dreams of learning to scuba dive, but refuses to even try, because she worries about how she would look swaddled in a tight rubber wet suit. What a pity! Though a good sense of self-acceptance would allow her, and you, to fully participate in all aspects of life, without reservation, immediately. You know you are moving in the right direction when you can accept your body exactly as it is ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now