By: Nicole Nichols, SparkPeople Blogger
10/8/2008 8:34 AM   :  455 comments

See More: body image, motivation, body bliss,

We are our own worst critics. Somehow, it’s all too easy to zero in on everything you don’t like about your body when you look in the mirror. Similarly, one harsh comment from another person can stick with you for the rest of your life. (I’ll never forget how I felt when several kids wrote my name next to “ugliest cheerleader” in a middle school slam book.) Why is it that we can easily recall these negative comments, or recite a laundry list of things we’d like to change about ourselves, but when asked to recall the most recent compliment you got, or list your best feature, you come up blank? It’s time to change that!

Let’s stop dwelling on the negative and start focusing on all the positives! No matter what kind of shape you’re in, how far you are from your ideal weight, or how much you might have been picked on, we all have something to offer. I don’t care if the only thing you find cute is your little toe. There has to be something you’re proud of.

Now’s your chance to toot your own horn without judgment! In this game, there is no such thing as being too arrogant or too conceited. Can you list 5 things you like—maybe even love—about your appearance? How about 10, 20, or even 50? Share them with the world by commenting below! Let those creative juices flow. You deserve to feel beautiful, handsome, and special—and it’s OK to tell yourself that you are, even if no one else does.

And next time you’re trying to motivate yourself to push through an extra mile on the treadmill, think about this list instead of the things you wish you could change. Chances are, you’ll feel happy and be motivated to finish that workout with gusto!