Accept Yourself

By Linda Wright

Fat, skinny, tall, short, we often hear about how extremely we fit on these sides. As young ladies we often feel that something is wrong with our size, shape, height or a particular body part. We are made to feel that we should look like actresses, models, singers and other famous people. Oftentimes our individuality, the person we are inside is neglected or treated as if it does not exist.

Right now you may be hiding the fact that you don't like how tall, short, fat or skinny you look. STOP! Don't feel ashamed or feel that you are all alone. The truth is that there is a time in every young girl's life when she feels as if she just doesn't look "right"

Let's be honest here. You're in high school and it seems as if looks are the number one thing that everyone is interested in. Hey, guess what? Pretty soon (even as you read this) you will realize that, looks alone, just ain't guh cut it no more.

Your size, shape and height doesn't make you who you are. It is the inner you- who you love and who loves you, where you're going with your life, your dreams and aspirations - the kind of person you are, your character. These are the important things that matter. Of course there are people even in your own circle of friends and your very own family who think that you should lose this or put on that or grow up or shrink some. However, that should not make you untrue to who you are. Disregard what others say. Love yourself!

I have known young ladies who have tried to change who they are. Of course everyone knows that this doesn't work because it just has the opposite affect. But, I can empathize with them and with you because I too felt uncomfortable with how I looked. I had to learn to accept my body, accept the things that I just could not change. So whatever your complaint with your body, learn this prayer written by an unknown author and hopefully your feelings will change.

Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, Courage to change the things that I can and Wisdom to know the difference.

Hey, there will be a lot of people who will say negative things about how you look. There will be people who will do their best to change who you are. On the other hand, there are thousands of people who will accept you just as you are, especially the person in whose image you were created.

Dec '01/Feb '02