Give yourself a sign: Ever put up a post it note to remind you of something? Well, why not let a note inspire?! Placing healthy, positive messages and quotes around your mirror or on your closet door creates your inspiration station!
Step 1 to Inspiration Station – What quotes or statements empower you? Start this exercise by collecting messages that help you feel inspired and strong. You can find some of these inspirations on the Institute’s Embodiment Poetry page or discover some of your own… in song lyrics or websites that promote positive body image.
One of my favorite empowering inspirations is India Arie’s song called “Video”: “Depend on how the wind blows I might even paint my toes; it really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul. I’m not the average girl from your video.”
The positive statements below are some more examples. I encourage you to edit these to fit you and your style, find your own online or create your very own from scratch.
All I have to be is me.
I take care of my body’s needs.
To be upset over what I don’t have is to waste what I do have.
I will not be hard on myself today.
I appreciate all the movement that my body is able to perform.
I am naturally beautiful when I am myself.
I do not need to obsess about my appearance.
I love my body.
I have the wisdom to know how I want to spend my time and energy today.
My body is a beautiful temple that houses my spirit.
Step 2 to Inspiration Station – Create a poster or collage by cutting words from magazines or writing them out with colorful markers. You could also retype your messages and print them out on a funky font and decorate the paper with your own drawings or some stickers you like. Or write your messages on fun colorful post-it notes!
Use your Inspiration Station to repeat positive body talk to yourself instead of the harsh comments you may be saying. This may sound corny, but saying hurtful comments to yourself isn’t cool either and it creates bad feelings. Have fun creating your Inspiration Station and share it with friends and family. Maybe you’ll inspire them to create one of their own!
Making Friends with Your Body: Introduction
Making Friends with Your Body, Exercise 1: Slowing Down the Spiral
Making Friends with Your Body, Exercise 2: Building Blocks of Appreciation