It's been a while folks!! Since I failed miserably on my last blog challenge, I figured I would try again. This one is a 21 Day Self Image Challenge. I have struggled with my image for a very long time, so I thought this would be a good one to do. I will start Day 1 tomorrow, 7/13, but at least wanted to post the specifics of the challenge. I think this will be very insightful!
Girlstartingnew's 21 Day Body Image Challenge
Day 1 - Write as many things you like about yourself as you can. Remember to include things about your personality, your skills, accomplishments, etc.
Day 2 - What are some reasons why your body image may be so important to you? What role does your body image play in your life? What factors have contributed to your negative body image?
Day 3 - Take a moment to write down a “perfect” version of yourself. List qualities, physical attributes, successes, whatever you’d like. Now bold the things you have complete control over and be realistic about this. What can you do to make those bolded items come true? Start slowly working towards them. Don’t expect change over night, let it be gradual and don’t expect perfection. None of us are perfect and that’s perfectly okay.
Day 4 - Name one role model you have. Why do you look up to them? Is it because of their physical appearance or because of their intelligence, motivation, dedication, etc.? Focus on your role model’s inner beauty.
Day 5 - Write three positive affirmations about yourself on three small pieces of paper or index cards. Decorate the cards however you’d like but make them as colorful and as cheerful as possible. Now, tape them on a mirror you look at everyday or anywhere else you’ll see them daily. List your affirmations below or take a photo of your cards and upload them.
Day 6 - Pamper yourself today. Give yourself a facial, a manicure or take a bubble bath. What did you do? How do you feel after doing it? Don’t feel good still? Pamper yourself some more! Today is about YOU!
Day 7 - Find something around you that catches your eye. It could be a flower, a handmade figurine, a painting, etc. What is it? Is it completely perfect? Or does it have little, less noticeable imperfections? Most likely, it has its flaws, yet it’s still amazing and beautiful. Think of yourself in the same way you think of the object.
Day 8 - Take a challenge today. Do one thing you’re usually not comfortable doing. Go out in a bathing suit, don’t wear a full face of make up, get a new haircut, go run an errand in your pajamas, etc. What did you do? How did it feel?
Day 9 - Write down three reasons why it’s absurd to believe that people who are “more beautiful” or “thinner” are happier.
Day 10 - Go ahead and look into a mirror right now. What is the first thought you have? If it’s a negative one, replace it with a positive thought. Say it out loud, even if you don’t really believe it. Keep this thought in the back of your mind today and whenever you have a negative thought, replace it with this one.
Day 11 - How long after waking up in the morning do you look at yourself in the mirror? Is it the first thing you do? Whenever you do it, try to push it back a little and decrease the time in your morning routine today.
Day 12 - How many times, on average, do you find yourself looking at your reflection randomly throughout the day? Why do you think you do that? What do you think would happen if you didn’t do it anymore? Wherever you go today, resist the urge to look into every mirror or window to check out your reflection. If you do happen to do it, keep track of how many times you do it.
Day 13 - How well did you do yesterday? Were you able to refrain from checking your appearance? If not, how many times did you do it? How did it make you feel? Was it worth it?
Day 14 - When you get ready today, I dare you to get dressed without checking yourself in the mirror. If you put on make up, use a small mirror to apply it and do your hair then get dressed and just leave the house. Don’t worry. You look beautiful. Did you complete this dare? How did it feel?
Day 15 - What’s one thing your body helped you do today? Did you run, do yoga, etc.? What if you weren’t physically capable of doing that activity? Even if you didn’t exercise today, what if you weren’t able to get dressed or shower on your own? Be thankful for the amazing and unique body you have.
Day 16 - Pamper yourself again today because you should be doing this regularly. What did you do this time? How do you feel? Remember again, today is about YOU!
Day 17 - Write a love letter to yourself. Tell yourself you’re beautiful. Thank your body for all the wonderful things it can do. Show yourself the compassion and respect you have for your best friend or significant other.
Day 18 - Finish the following sentences.
I like myself because:
I’m an expert at:
I feel good about:
My friends or loved ones would tell you I have a great:
My favorite place is:
Were any of the statements negative? If they were, replace them with positive thoughts.
Day 19 - Take another challenge today. Do another thing you are usually not comfortable doing. Wear a tank top or a skirt, dress up if you normally wear casual clothes, dress down if you normally dress up, etc. What did you do? How did you feel?
Day 20 - Being nice to others usually makes you feel better about yourself. Give two different people a compliment today, strangers or not. Then smile at ten different people, again they can be strangers. Commit one random act of kindness to another person. Did you do this? How did it feel?
Day 21 - Write as many things you like about yourself as you can. Remember to include things about your personality, your skills, accomplishments, etc. Did you write more things today than you did twenty one days ago?
