5 Ways to Cultivate a Positive Self Image

The definition of conceit here includes the key word, excessive. Looking at yourself in the mirror and noting that you have a warm smile, strong arms, and a big heart is not over the top. Start to take notice of the uniquely wonderful and positive things about yourself. Own those things without shame.

If you’d like a challenge, try writing those attributes every day for an entire year. Do you think the way you see yourself will be the same?

Good times, bad times, and everything in between; you’ve survived them all. There were times when you thought you’d cry until you evaporated, felt pain that threatened to leach your soul from your body, when you’ve been so happy you thought you’d burst, or when you were so excited you could barely breathe.

No matter how the road of your life has forked, and regardless of the terrain, your body has carried you through it. Don’t you think it’s time to stop disparaging it for not looking a certain way? For not bending at odd angles? For not performing every feat on TikTok? All of the negative self talk that you do when you see your reflection, or when you think of yourself? Your body feels that; it comes from you. Now is a great time to let yourself feel love.

We’re already used to listing what’s wrong. In fact, the negatives come more easily than the positives. Just like the point about writing three positive things about yourself each day, try listing what’s right with you. Science whiz? Include it. Great with cars, plants, electronics, etc.? It goes on the list. Compassionate, patient, a good listener? You know what time it is. Add it to the list.

Your attributes don’t have to be extraordinary in order to be special. They’re special because they’re unique to you and are displayed through your exclusive lens.

Knitting, caring for your pet, cooking, dancing, puzzles… It’s easy to walk around with your phone in your hand, scrolling endlessly through perfect brunch photos, gorgeous vacation getaways, pristine lawns, and immaculate homes while thinking you aren’t as good at any of that stuff and you’re somehow failing in life a bit because of it.

One: Most of that stuff has been edited and filtered to death
Two: If you had that stuff and saw better stuff in constant loops day and night, would you feel the same sense of underachievement regardless?

Being good at something doesn’t mean you have to be the best in the world at that activity; it simply means you’re proficient at the activity in a way that comes easy to you. Enjoy those things.

At the end of the day, cultivating a positive self image is a continuous pursuit. You’ll have good days and bad, and that’s okay. Take some time and pour good energy back into yourself daily, even if it’s just in. You’re worth it!