Stop Criticising Yourself

Last Friday, as we were all getting weighed and measured for our final results of the 4-week camp, I was amazed at how harsh we are on ourselves. There we were, after completing 4 weeks of an awesome fitness regime, and we were still being critical.

One woman, who I'd admired from the beginning of camp commented: I really need to see results. I saw a picture of myself from last week and was disgusted. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing remotely disgusting about her. She's tall, slender, and in great physical shape. I couldn't imagine looking like her and ever being disappointed by my appearance.

While I couldn't imagine being dissatisfied if I looked like her, I could surely point out 5-10 things about myself I'd like to improve. And what I discovered is that I'm not the only one. Every woman in the bootcamp could quickly rattle off a list of things they dislike about themselves. But, flip the coin and ask them for a inventory of things they are proud of and it would take significantly longer to compose that list.

We women do this to ourselves all the time. We focus on the areas that need improvement instead of being content with our good qualities. Today, on Yahoo, I saw a meditation that speaks to this same concept. “Be your own unconditional friend," the article starts out. I am challenging myself to be that friend to myself.

I am also challenging anyone who is reading this blog to post a list of 3 things your like about yourself in the comments section here or on the wall of the GV Bootcamp Facebook group.

Today, look in the mirror and smile. The person there will smile right back. She loves you. Love her, too.