Written by: Michael Levine, Ph.D. and Linda Smolak, Ph.D.
- Twice a day, everyday, I WILL ask myself: “Am I benefiting from focusing on what I believe are the flaws in my body weight or shape?”
- I WILL think of three reasons why it is ridiculous for me to believe that thinner people are happier or ‘better.” I will repeat these reasons to myself whenever I feel the urge to compare my body shape to someone.
- I WILL spend less and less time in front of mirrors—especially when they are making me feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about my body.
- I WILL exercise for the joy of feeling my body move and grow stronger. I will not exercise simply to lose weight, purge fat from my body, or to “makeup” for calories I have eaten.
- I WILL participate in activities that I enjoy, even if they call attention to my weight and shape. I will constantly remind myself that I deserve to do things I enjoy, like dancing, swimming, etc., no matter what my shape or size is!
- I WILL refuse to wear clothes that are uncomfortable or that I do not like but wear simply because they divert attention from my weight or shape. I will wear clothes that are comfortable and that make me feel comfortable in my body.
- I WILL list 5-10 good qualities that I have, such as understanding, intelligence, or creativity. I will repeat these to myself whenever I start to feel bad about my body.
- I WILL practice taking people seriously for what they say, feel, and do. Not for how slender, or “well put together” they appear.
- I WILL surround myself with people and things that make me feel good about myself and my abilities. When I am around people and things that support me and make me feel good, I will be less likely to base my self-esteem on the way my body looks.
- I WILL treat my body with respect and kindness. I will feed it, keep it active, and listen to its needs. I will remember that my body is the vehicle that will carry me to my dreams!
I will choose to take care of myself and my body!
References
- Freedman, R., Body Love. NY: Harper & Row, 1988.
- Levine, M.P., & Hill, L., 5 Day Lesson Plan on Eating Disorders. Columbus, OH: National Eating Disorders Association, 1991.
- Maine, M., Father Hunger. Carlsbad, CA: Gürze Books, 1991.
- Rodin, J., Body Traps. NY: William Morrow, 1992.
Copyright 2005 National Eating Disorders Association. Permission is granted to copy and print materials for educational purposes only.