By Susanna Kalnes | @susannakalnes

When it comes to our bodies, women and men can be very hard on themselves.  In fact, I’ll be the first to throw myself under the bus and say that I am guilty of this!  Even as a fitness trainer who works out six to seven days a week, teaches numerous fitness classes, certifies other people to teach fitness, Istill am hard on myself.

But I’m tired of being hard on myself.And if you are tired, too, I invite you to make a change with me.  Not a physical change, per se, but a mental one!  In celebration of February, the month of love, let’s get rid of these feelings of needing to be “perfect” or have the “best body.”  Instead, let’s commit to LOVING OUR OWN BODIES – no matter their shape and size.  

The first step to doing this is to stand in front of the mirror naked.  Yes, naked!  Instead of quickly scrolling your body for imperfections, I’d like you to look yourself directly in the eyes and smile.  Then say out loud to yourself, “I am beautiful” or “I am handsome.”  Then look at one of the physical features that you love about yourself (your eyes, your legs, your hair) and defocus your eyes as though you are looking right past them and into your soul.  Remind yourself in that moment that what’s really important lies INSIDE of you, not on the outside.   Repeat this same routine daily.

The next step is to focus on being healthy – not just “skinny” or “perfect.”  Plan three to five workouts throughout the week, buy a cookbook for healthy recipes you can do at home, and plan your social activities around being healthy.  You will feel better and build confidence when you are treating your body with respect and not feeding it garbage.  Confidence is what makes you love your body, no matter what the number on the scale says.  When you see yourself as a confident, attractive person, you will focus less on being “perfect” and more on being happy.

Don’t believe me?  Try these things during February and see what happens.  I believe in you…do you?  #LoveYourself