Body Image vs Body Appreciation

Body image and body appreciation are connected, but they aren't the same thing.

Body image is how we feel about who and what we see in the mirror. Body appreciation goes a step further. It's choosing to appreciate not only how your body looks, but what it can do, where it's brought you, and how remarkable it really is.

That appreciation doesn't happen because your body reaches a certain size or shape.

It begins with a decision.

Many people believe they have to eliminate every negative thought before they can appreciate themselves. I don't think that's how it works. The decision to appreciate yourself and the process of changing your body image happen together.

The old thoughts will still show up.

When they do, don't judge yourself for having them. Observe them, acknowledge them, and redirect them. Over time, you begin reinforcing a different story about who and what you see in the mirror.

If you've ever looked at your body during a time when you felt completely at ease with yourself, hold on to that feeling. Don't limit it to that version of your body. Let it become the feeling you continue to cultivate as your body changes throughout your life.

Body appreciation also means recognizing what your body allows you to experience every day. There will be moments when your body doesn't do what you want it to do. There will be moments of frustration. That's part of being human.

The difference is that appreciation gives you a foundation to come back to.

Instead of allowing one difficult moment to define how you feel about yourself, you can return to gratitude for everything your body has already done and continues to do.

If you're wondering where to begin, start by asking yourself a simple question:

What would it feel like to truly appreciate my body?

Once you have your answer, stand in front of the mirror and make a commitment to yourself. Decide that from this point forward you're going to appreciate who and what you see. Then begin reinforcing that decision every day.

Body appreciation isn't about pretending you'll never struggle.

It's about choosing the relationship you want to have with yourself, even when the old thoughts return.

How you choose to see yourself from this point forward is up to you.

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