I started my personal campaign One Good Thing a couple of weeks ago, after being inspired by a new and not so quiet revolution. Working as a coach, opens me to the world of low esteem and confidence, poor body image, mental health issues, depression... and the list goes on. It could seem overwhelming. But it's not at all because there's a counteraction going on and I want you to be part of it.
There is a stream of positive action taking place all over and I'm jumping in on it because it's important. Because I believe it makes a difference. I've seen it happen through my coaching practice.
I've created One Good Thing (#onegoodthing) as a way of contributing to this positive revolution. I'm encouraging you to make a comment about yourself as often as you can- say One Good Thing, just one thing and see what a difference it can make to how you feel about yourself.
Try it. Tell yourself that you like your eyes, thighs, and toes. Tell yourself that you are a great listener, a helpful friend, a committed employee. Tell yourself that you love your glossy hair, straight teeth, curvy butt.
Try it. I dare you to feel better about yourself. My goodness, why on earth would we want to go around 24/7 with someone who doesn't like us? Which is what we are doing when we constantly tell ourselves all the things we don't like. We wouldn't take that from a friend, so why are we taking it from ourselves?
One Good Thing is asking you to take notice of the luscious, wonderful, and yes, flawed, but unique being that you are and start to feel good about it.
I had Gok Wan's campaign for positive Body Image to be taught in schools as my immediate inspiration; 'Johnny' from Dirty Dancing gave me a great affirmation: "Nobody puts Baby in the corner"; I have now read that Bobbi Brown launched a campaign this year that celebrates the beautiful diversity found in the faces of real women. Her Pretty Powerful campaign encourages women to aspire to be who they are rather than an air-brushed version of a celebrity. She states that we should use the term 'living' instead of 'ageing'.
Lines are proof we have lived and loved; that we have experienced laughter- imagine erasing the signs of laughter from your face, thinking that makes you more beautiful? Seriously? The stunning Juliette Binoche, stated that she felt she was 'earning her wrinkles'. I love that. It is a validation that she is participating in life, she is soaking it all up and is now flaunting it joyously as something to work towards! Brilliant.
Others getting behind this shift in perspective on true beauty and positive self-thought include:
Cosmetics brand 'Becca'. They only use red-eye reduction in post-production for advertising.
Pringle and Nars, along with Dove are committed to using atypical poster women and unconventional role models. Debenhams are leading the way here, many thanks to Gok and his girls, by representing disabled models on the high street.
Our bodies carry us, we shoulder the weight of our children on our gloriously curvy hips; our limbs allow us to run, jump and envelop those we love in a huge hug; our mouths smile at strangers and brighten their day- are they noticing the thickness of lips or whiteness of teeth? I doubt it. Who are we to not celebrate all that our bodies are?
It is a kinder way to live. It is a happier way to live. It is the only way to live. So please join me in redirecting our energy away from berating our flaws to celebrating our unique and glorious selves. Say One Good Thing. Go on.
One Good Thing:
My long, slender fingers.
(It's a pity I never fancied playing piano!)
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