What an important topic for the week - positive self talk and how it affects how we feel on a daily basis. I'm sure many of us moms are guilty of saying things about our appearance, our motivation, and especially our weight not only to ourselves, but in front of our girls too. Although seemingly normal to vent, its a self-deprecating habit which many of us need to break. Keeping a positive self-image is so important for girls of a young age for them to carry with them through adulthood. Life is hard enough as it is to be so tough on ourselves too.
An easy practice for your GOTR girl is to look in the mirror each morning while brushing her teeth, lets say, and think to herself one thing she loves about herself. It can be anything from my hair looks great today, my skin is looking better, I love the color of my eyes, I am beautiful, etc. Something positive and truthful. Incorporating a practice like this every morning will allow her to move forward with her day with at least one positive self emotion that she can carry with her. The more we love ourselves, the more we allow others in and the greater self-esteem we will have.
This habit of positive self talk enhances our overall health and emotional well being which is just as important as the food we put into our mouths. So much of the time we choose to eat poorly because we don't feel so great about ourselves, we've had a bad day, or we're under a bit of stress. By maintaining a positive self image these girls will learn to work through their bad days and added stresses with other sources than food. Hopefully through fun with friends, sports/exercise or maybe communication with you, their mom!
Spring Break Challenge: Have your GOTR girl write this (or something similar) on a post-it note and text it to at least 5 of her girlfriends. Tell them to pass it on. Lets see how far they can take one simple, yet inspiring, compliment.
Be their role model. Be their inspiration. Be their first & last hug of the day. Before you know it they'll be grown up and the world's influences will get in the way. You want them to remember where they started...with YOU.
For more information about Operation Beautiful, check out: http://www.operationbeautiful.com
Girls On The Run Newsletter Week 4: http://www.girlsontherun.org/
My Personal Blog: Choices: Nutrition.Life.Love.
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