The One-Minute Makeover For Women
...tips for creating a more beautiful you from the inside out!
As women, we are constantly bombarded by messages from society,especially the media to focus on our exterior image. Young women know how to apply make-up at an early age. Women of all ages spend a lot of their time in front of a mirror, changing clothes, doing hair and applying make-up. Some of us are even obsessing over things like our weight, our image and how we can change how we look for the better. We truly believe that we will be happier if we look a certain way. Too often, our focus is in the wrong place. The question we need to ask is, “How much time are we spending on our looks, our weight and our image?” Are runway models or cover girls happier than the average woman? The research says “NO”! In fact, many of the most beautiful women are self-conscious over their perceived “flaws” and many choose to undergo plastic surgery. We need to be aware of how actors and models in the media are “airbrushed” and altered to present an unattainable image.
So, what are we as women to do? Our one-minute makeover will remind us what we can do to build contentment and gratefulness in our lives. One easy thing we must do everyday is to CHOOSE how we think! What are you dwelling on when you are getting dressed or putting on makeup? What are you saying to yourself when you look in the mirror? GOOD NEWS! We can decide what to think about and concentrate on throughout the day. Even more helpful, is to plan right now what attitude you will have when you look in the mirror!
The first step is to be aware of how you are talking to yourself. Most women, young and old, confess to me they are thinking, “You are so ugly…fat..”. You know those thought, “If only, my thighs were thinner…” or “If I had _______, I would be happier!”
The second step is to accept what you cannot change about yourself. Your genetics have resulted in every woman being created uniquely…no two are the same! If you are finding yourself wanting to fit in by looking like everyone else, remember, you are special! So, celebrate the differences. Look for the beauty in others and in yourself!
The third step is to alter what you can. We will spend time caring for our bodies, are you taking care of yourself? If you have been depressed maybe you need to shower and get dressed everyday even if you have nowhere to go. You have to get dressed, are you choosing colors in your wardrobe that complement your skin tone, hair and eye color? Do you need to lose weight? The temptation is to focus on the scale or food. You know this rarely works for the long term. So, instead, focus on the health of your body, not the attractiveness. Next, choose your self-talk carefully! Are you planning on going bathing suit shopping? Plan now what you will say to yourself! You could say, this bathing suit color is fun to wear. This bathing suit fits my body shape the best, so I’ll get it. When you’re getting dressed you could say, “This outfit works!” Remember, our focus is key! Are we really dressing for others? We help ourselves fight against becoming self-absorbed, self-consciousness and selfish, by focusing on others. When getting ready, we can focus on the fun we will have with our friends, being thankful for the friends and family members we are blessed to have in our lives. We could say, “I’m ready to spend some time with______”.
The amount of time we spend on thinking through and planning our self-talk will be well worth the effort! Many times, this is difficult, especially if we have long-standing habits of thinking negative, condemning thoughts. The messages you have been given throughout your life will have a major impact on your thought life. If you are young, you are laying down habits that will last a lifetime. If you are older, your thoughts are impacting all of your attitudes about life.
Often, negative thoughts are very hard to change on our own. This is when meeting with a therapist can help you to make these changes more quickly and in a way that will have lasting effects. If you are feeling bad about yourself, or even depressed, anxious about how you look, it might be time for you to call us at Lifetime. Remember, an internal makeover ALWAYS impacts how you feel, for the better! It’s worth the time, energy and investment you put into the inner YOU!
Be inspired!
Susan Garrison, MSW, LCSW
